The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has significantly expanded its financial commitments to Pakistan in 2025, approving $3.672 billion in support – a 22 percent increase compared to $2.995 billion in 2024. The rise reflects the bank’s growing involvement in new sectors, including mineral resource development and education.
According to ADB’s Annual Report 2025, the institution provided $1.485 billion in new support to Pakistan’s public sector, marking a one?third increase from the previous year. Much of this funding came through ordinary capital resources on commercial terms.
ADB also highlighted a policy?backed guarantee mechanism designed to reduce lending risks for commercial banks and encourage financing for small and medium?sized enterprises. Through this mechanism, about $1 billion in private sector financing was mobilized.
The bank approved financing for a copper?gold mining project under Pakistan’s mineral development strategy, aimed at strengthening global supply chains for critical minerals. ADB said it is also assisting in building connections between mineral extraction and manufacturing industries, positioning Pakistan to benefit from clean energy and digital industries.
ADB committed funding for at least 1,700 STEM laboratories across schools, with half designated for girls’ institutions. This investment is supported by a $100 million loan and a $7 million grant. The bank is also providing advisory assistance for digital skills frameworks and promoting girls’ participation in science and technology fields.
To address gender disparities in Pakistan’s economy, ADB allocated $350 million to expand access to credit for women entrepreneurs. The bank estimates that around two million women will benefit, helping close a financing gap of nearly 37 percent for women?led enterprises.
Pakistan continues to face fiscal constraints that limit public investment in essential services. In response, ADB approved an $800 million program consisting of a $300 million policy?based loan and up to $500 million in guarantees. This package is expected to help Pakistan raise an additional $1 billion in financing.
Globally, ADB’s commitments reached $29.3 billion in 2025, a 20 percent increase from the previous year. South Asia received the largest share at $9.7 billion, followed by Southeast Asia and Central and West Asia.