World Bank approves additional $108 million for KP’s rural tourism development
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 29, 2025
- 4:07 pm
- 42
- Business
World Bank has approved additional $108 million in new funding to boost KP rural tourism development and improve road access across the province
KP rural tourism development is getting a big boost from the World Bank. The bank has approved an extra $108 million to improve roads and tourism in the province. This funding supports two key programs: the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE).
Out of the total amount, $78 million is for the KPRAP. This project will fix and upgrade rural roads in KP. These roads will help people reach schools, hospitals, and markets more easily. Many of these areas face floods and other disasters. The project also supports safe and low-cost transport for schoolgirls. This will help girls attend school and promote gender inclusion.
Officials say KPRAP will help around 1.76 million people. The project focuses on climate-resilient roads and better access to basic services. It will also provide local jobs and make travel easier in poor areas.
The remaining $30 million goes to the KITE project. This money will fix two important roads that lead to tourist spots. These better roads will help people visit beautiful places in KP that were hard to reach before.
KITE will also work on managing tourist sites, saving historic places, and building online tourism services. The World Bank says these efforts will promote safe tourism, local culture, and jobs for nearby communities.
Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, said, “Both projects will help improve services, build disaster preparedness, and offer jobs to local people.” He added that the projects support both economic and climate resilience in the province.
Muhammad Bilal Paracha, Task Team Leader for KPRAP, said, “The funding shows the World Bank’s support for Pakistan’s long-term development.” He pointed out how rural roads can change lives, especially for women and girls in far-off areas.
Kiran Afzal, Task Team Leader for the KITE project, said, “These efforts will strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve public-private cooperation.” She added that the project trains local people, creates jobs, and helps save KP’s culture.
Officials from the Planning Ministry praised the World Bank’s move. They said it is a good step for inclusive growth in KP. This shows a strong push toward KP rural tourism development and better life for people in the region.
The new funding will speed up KP rural tourism development, improve road access, and help prepare for climate-related issues. It also brings more chances for jobs and education, especially for girls and families in rural KP.
