ISLAMABAD: Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda reaffirmed the Bank’s strong commitment to supporting Pakistan through both humanitarian crises and long-term economic opportunities during a three-day visit to the country.
In a post and video shared on his official X handle, Kanda highlighted Pakistan’s resilience amid the “worst flooding in decades,” noting that over one million people have been evacuated as monsoon-swollen rivers wreak havoc across the country.
“To respond to this urgent humanitarian emergency, ADB will provide a $3 million grant through its Asia-Pacific Disaster Response Fund to support flood recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan,” he said. “This rapid response demonstrates ADB’s commitment to stand with Pakistan in times of urgent need, alongside our partnership for long-term sustainable growth.”
During his visit, Kanda met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and extended his condolences to families affected by the devastating floods. The two leaders also discussed transformative infrastructure investments, enhanced private sector engagement, and Pakistan’s emerging role as a strategic supplier of critical minerals crucial for the global green energy transition.
Highlighting ADB’s recent financing initiatives, Kanda noted the approval of a $410 million package for the Reko Diq project. This investment is expected to generate thousands of jobs while positioning Pakistan as a leading supplier of critical minerals needed for clean energy and sustainable development.
In addition, Kanda visited a Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) centre, observing firsthand how social protection programs are empowering communities. “I met mothers who can now send their children to school thanks to BISP,” he remarked.
The ADB president also toured Pakistan’s first sustainable aviation fuel facility, financed by the Bank, which converts waste oil into eco-friendly aviation fuel—a key step toward advancing Pakistan’s renewable energy and carbon-neutral initiatives.
Kanda further met with leading CEOs to explore ways to expand private sector opportunities, emphasizing the need for public-private partnerships spanning emergency relief, infrastructure development, and strategic investment projects.
This visit underscores ADB’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, focusing on disaster response, economic resilience, job creation, green energy development, and private sector growth.
