WB commits $108 million to boost KP infrastructure, tourism

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank on Tuesday approved $108 million in additional funding for two projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, aiming to enhance rural connectivity and supercharge tourism.

The financing splits into $78 million for the Rural Accessibility Project and $30 million for the Integrated Tourism Development Project, targeting better access to health, education, and jobs while fortifying resilience against natural disasters.

The $78 million for the Rural Accessibility Project will upgrade rural roads, prioritizing climate-resilient designs to connect remote communities to schools, clinics, and markets. The initiative, expected to benefit 1.76 million people, emphasizes safe, affordable transport for women and girls, addressing longstanding barriers to education and healthcare.

“By rehabilitating critical rural road infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project are not only improving access to essential services like health and education, but also fostering climate, economic resilience and creating job opportunities for local communities,” Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, said in a statement.

The $30 million for the Integrated Tourism Development Project, dubbed KITE, will complete rehabilitation of two key roads to unlock access to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s scenic and cultural attractions. The funds will also fuel technical assistance, destination management, heritage preservation, and digital platforms to professionalize the tourism sector.

“This additional financing underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province’s development goals,” said Muhammad Bilal Paracha, Task Team Leader for the project. “The project is crucial for improving the lives of people in the province, particularly women and girls, by enhancing access to essential services and economic opportunities.”

The $30 million in additional financing for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) is expected to help enhance the province’s tourism sector by completing the rehabilitation of two roads that will improve access to the province’s pristine tourist spots in the vicinity.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rugged terrain and vulnerability to floods and landslides have long stifled rural development. Its tourism potential, despite rich cultural and natural assets, remains underleveraged. The $108 million injection aligns with Pakistan’s broader growth goals and the World Bank’s focus on inclusive, durable progress.

“The KITE project is encouraging responsible tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders,” said Kiran Afzal, Task Team Leader for the project. “This means better roads, improved tourist facilities, and more opportunities for local communities to benefit from the growth of the tourism economy. The project will create jobs, train local people, and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage.”