ISLAMABAD: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $149.7 million in financing for two mega projects in Pakistan, aimed at bolstering the nation’s digital economy and enhancing its infrastructure resilience against natural disasters.
The funding will support the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) and the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP), addressing critical areas of development and growth in the country.
DEEP, valued at $78 million, focuses on expanding digitally enabled public services delivery for citizens and businesses. It aims to develop digital authentication and data-sharing platforms to enhance Pakistan’s capacity to respond effectively to various challenges.
Additionally, DEEP will facilitate the delivery of e-government services, promote regulatory reforms to encourage private sector involvement, and strengthen personal data protection and online safety measures. The project will also promote financial inclusion, particularly among women, by enabling remote access to banking services and credit applications through smartphone applications.
World Bank Financing for Sindh Barrages Improvement Project
The additional financing of $71.7 million for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project will contribute to better resilience against floods and improve the reliability, safety, and management of provincial barrages. This funding will support the completion and commissioning of rehabilitation works at the Guddu and Sukkur barrages and enhance the management of three key barrages in Sindh, including Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri.
Strengthening technical capacities, promoting women’s participation in emergency preparedness, and fostering extensive citizen engagement and stakeholder participation are also integral components of this project.
Najy Benhassine, the World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan, highlighted the significance of these initiatives in strengthening Pakistan’s infrastructure resilience and promoting digital connectivity and access to essential services.
