Pakistan, June 1 — ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has rated the Punjab Human Capital Investment Project (PHCIP) as “moderately unsatisfactory,” pointing to delays in implementation despite visible progress in key areas. The project, launched in March 2020, originally had a budget of $200 million but was later revised to $146.31 million.
PHCIP aims to improve access to quality health services and promote economic inclusion among poor and vulnerable households across selected districts in Punjab. Although the closing date was recently extended from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, concerns remain over the project’s pace and efficiency.
According to official data, $122.19 million has been disbursed so far, with $32.74 million still undisbursed. Even with these financial delays, the health component has registered over 1 million pregnant and lactating women under the Aaghosh program, showing promising outreach.
On the economic front, the project has transferred productive assets to more than 64,000 families. Meanwhile, the education segment has exceeded expectations by delivering ECCE materials to 9,397 schools-surpassing its revised target of 8,900 schools.
Additionally, a functioning Grievance Redress Mechanism is now in place to address concerns from the public and stakeholders. This is seen as a step forward in increasing transparency and public trust in the project’s delivery.
The World Bank has pledged continued oversight as PHCIP moves toward its new deadline, urging stronger efforts from the Punjab government to overcome bottlenecks and fully realize the project’s goals.
