In recent developments, the World Bank has assessed the implementation progress of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Human Capital Investment Project, valued at $200 million, as moderately unsatisfactory. This project was initiated with the aim of enhancing the availability, utilization, and quality of primary healthcare and elementary education services in selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). However, according to official documents from the bank, both the progress towards achieving the Project Development Objective (PDO) and the overall implementation progress have been rated as moderately unsatisfactory.

Understanding the Project

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Human Capital Investment Project comprises three key components, each with specific goals and budget allocations:

Component 1: Improving Delivery of Quality Primary Healthcare Services

Cost: $77.20 million

This component focuses on enhancing the delivery of high-quality primary healthcare services. The aim is to make healthcare more accessible and improve its quality in the designated areas of KP.

Component 2: Improving Availability and Quality of Education Services

Cost: $109 million

Component 2 is geared towards improving the availability and quality of education services. This includes initiatives to enhance elementary education in the project’s target districts.

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Component 3: Strengthening Community Engagement and Accountability

Cost: $13.80 million

This component is designed to strengthen community engagement and accountability in the implementation of healthcare and education projects within KP.

Project Approval and Timeline

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Human Capital Investment Project in June 2020. The project’s closing date is set for June 30, 2025, providing a five-year window for the successful execution of its objectives.

Project Setbacks

Official documents further revealed that between May 22 and June 2, 2023, an implementation support mission was conducted. Based on the mission’s findings, project ratings were adjusted downwards. Consequently, a set of time-bound actions has been agreed upon to bring the project back on track to meet its development objectives.

Critical Next Steps

Immediate and critical next steps include the approval of revisions to the Education PC-1 by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). Subsequently, the approval of both Health and Education PC-1s by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) will be required. Following these approvals, the project restructuring, as requested by the government, will take place.

Third-Party Monitoring Firm Recommendation

The mission conducted in June 2023 recommended the involvement of a third-party monitoring firm to support project implementation. This measure aims to ensure better oversight and accountability in the project’s execution.