ISLAMABAD – The government of Pakistan has asked the World Bank for a fourth extension of its $393.73 million Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project. The request aims to allow four more months to finish key IT and digital infrastructure work at public universities, which officials say will have a long-term impact beyond the project’s lifespan.
The project, now in its sixth year, focuses on supporting research, improving teaching, and strengthening university governance. Despite achieving many of its goals, five IT-related packages remain incomplete due to delays in hardware delivery and other procedural issues. The Economic Affairs Division has submitted a formal request to the World Bank for the extension until October 31, 2025.
So far, the project has achieved several milestones. Over 300 universities have been connected to the Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN), and key policies like the Undergraduate Education Policy and Open Distance Learning Policy have been approved. Additionally, thousands of faculty and education managers have received training through the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).
Pakistan has already restructured the project three times. Previous changes were made to address COVID-19 disruptions, to launch climate and tech-related research grants, and to extend the project by a full year. The current request, however, only involves a timeline change—not new funding, activities, or project goals.
Officials say no changes will be made to project design, monitoring systems, or financial procedures. As of June 10, 2025, the World Bank has already disbursed $375.7 million, with final payments expected in FY26. The government hopes that this final extension will allow completion of the IT systems that are seen as critical to Pakistan’s higher education future.