Enhanced partnership was discussed in a meeting on Monday between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. The meeting placed special focus on strengthening climate resilience in light of the severe damage to the province from natural disasters.
During the high-level meeting in the capital, potential cooperation in various sectors including minerals, energy, and skills development was discussed. The Chief Minister declared health and education as the top priorities of the provincial administration, detailing plans to strengthen the primary healthcare system.
A significant social project presented included the “Ehsaas Maa” program, a new scheme aimed at providing comprehensive government care to mothers and children from pregnancy to birth. The project also includes three months of additional support for families after the birth of a girl child. This initiative complements the province’s provision of universal health coverage to its entire population.
Provincial officials also outlined a comprehensive strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in food, which includes several projects to make the barren lands of the southern districts cultivable. In the minerals sector, it was stated that the interests of the local population would be given top priority.
Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Shehab Ali Shah, and other relevant officials were also present in the talks. The meeting emphasized the provincial government’s intention to further deepen cooperation with the international financial institution in these key areas.