World Bank approves $108 million to boost road access, tourism in Pakistan's KP province

The World Bank has approved $108 million in additional financing for two key projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to improve rural accessibility and develop the province’s growing tourism sector, the bank announced Friday.

The funding includes $78 million for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and $30 million for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE). Both projects aim to enhance access to essential services, create local jobs, and build climate resilience.

“By rehabilitating critical rural road infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness, the projects are not only improving access to health and education, but also fostering climate and economic resilience,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.

The KPRAP financing will focus on upgrading and rehabilitating rural roads to ensure safer, climate-resilient infrastructure. The initiative is expected to benefit roughly 1.76 million people by improving connectivity to schools, health facilities, and markets. The project also supports affordable and safe transport options for school-going girls.

“This additional financing underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province’s development goals,” said Muhammad Bilal Paracha, the project’s task team leader.

The $30 million in additional funding for the KITE project will support the completion of two key roads that provide access to major tourist destinations. The funds will also go toward technical assistance, capacity building for tourism stakeholders, and digital integration to enhance tourism services.

“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.”

The World Bank said the new funding will support broader provincial goals of economic development, disaster resilience, and improved public service delivery in rural and tourism-reliant areas.