ISLAMABAD: The World Bank rates the Punjab Human Capital Investment Project (PHCIP), valued at a revised $146.31 million, as moderately unsatisfactory, citing delays in implementation despite progress toward development goals.
The project, approved in March 2020 with an original budget of $200 million, aims to increase utilization of quality health services and promote economic and social inclusion among poor and vulnerable households in select Punjab districts. Its closing date has been extended from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Official records show that $122.19 million of the revised budget has been disbursed, with $32.74 million still pending.
Despite setbacks, the project remains on track to meet its objectives. Under the health component, 1,084,186 pregnant and lactating women have been registered through the Aaghosh program. The economic inclusion segment has transferred assets to 64,592 families.
In education, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) interventions—including books, furniture, and learning kits—have been delivered to 9,397 schools, surpassing the revised target of 8,900 schools.
A fully functional Grievance Redress Mechanism has also been established to address stakeholder concerns.
The World Bank continues to monitor progress closely as the project moves toward its extended completion date.
