Transforming Cities in Pakistan: ADB-CDIA Tracks Progress and Results of Key Infrastructure Projects
March 29, 2025
Pakistan is one of the most urbanized countries in Asia. Along with rapid urbanization come challenges due to increased demand for infrastructure and services, which many Pakistani cities cannot meet. This hampers their economic growth and human development.
A monitoring visit conducted by ADB Senior Urban Development Specialist/CDIA Project Officer Lara Arjan and CDIA Urban Development Specialist Brian Capati from 13-21 January 2025 tracked the progress, results, and effectiveness of four CDIA project preparation studies (PPSs) in Pakistan. These initiatives were aimed at transforming the rapidly growing cities of Abbottabad, Islamabad, Mardan, Peshawar, Sahiwal, and Sialkot by addressing key infrastructure gaps. A comprehensive monitoring report will be available by the first half of 2025.
A closer look at the game-changing projects
Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Project (PICIIP)
Developed from a medium-term infrastructure investment program and pre-feasibility studies conducted by CDIA in 2016, key priority projects were carried forward through a $200 million loan from ADB for the cities of Sahiwal and Sialkot.
The monitoring visit found that while CDIA’s technical assistance was valuable in preparing sectoral master plans and priority projects in urban transport, water supply, sewerage, solid waste management, and drainage, more efficient processes could have accelerated the conversion from project concept to implementation (in the case of Sahiwal, it took 6 years). With the high turnover within the project management unit, retention, knowledge transfer, and capacity-building strategies are deemed crucial for maintaining project momentum.
PICIIP was notable for public consultations, particularly on social safeguards and gender-sensitive issues, which enhanced project acceptance and outcomes. Meanwhile, integrating gender and climate considerations throughout the project cycle significantly strengthened project inclusiveness, resilience, and adaptability.
The construction of key infrastructure projects is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP)
The 2017 CDIA study aimed to address the lack of comprehensive city planning in Abbottabad, Mardan, and Peshawar. It identified approximately $128 million in investment projects.
In Mardan, the PPS identified key areas of intervention in solid waste management, water supply, wastewater management, innovative recharge, and flood risk management, from which the solid waste and wastewater management sub-project components were selected for ADB project readiness financing-1 (PRF-1). In Abbottabad, solid waste management and water supply sub-projects were selected for PRF-1 funding.
Some lessons from the interventions include the need for proactive land acquisition strategies, including early engagement with stakeholders, comprehensive city development plans, as well as clear guidelines and processes to mitigate risks associated with novel procurement approaches in Pakistan. The successful inclusion of women interns in KPCIP was a best practice demonstrated in the project. With additional funding, this initiative could have been expanded, allowing the interns to be retained as team members to continue to benefit from their contributions. This experience underscores the need for sustainable funding models to support gender-inclusive initiatives.
Project completion is targeted by December 2026.
Islamabad Bus Rapid Transit Project (IBRTP)
CDIA’s 2012 PPS aimed to establish the viability of a BRT system by assessing ridership, routes, infrastructure, and costs. Following the study, the government implemented the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus (Red Line), a 22.5 km corridor with 24 stations and 68 buses serving both the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It now serves 150,000 daily commuters, providing safe and inclusive transit. Three more lines—Orange, Blue, and Green—were added later. Its early success could be enhanced by sustaining capacity development while improving last-mile connectivity and finding more sustainable funding solutions to reduce reliance on subsidies.
Peshawar Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Project
The BRT system, which now serves 200,000 daily passengers through its 30 stations and 80 direct bus stops, originated from a CDIA-supported 20-year public transport strategy and pre-feasibility study that facilitated ADB financing. The project benefited strongly from integrating non-motorized transport options and transit-oriented development principles. Also, addressing first/last-mile connectivity and optimizing feeder routes boosted the system’s reach and ridership.
Looking Ahead
In summary, the four interventions in Pakistan highlight the availability of resources for operation and maintenance beyond project completion as a key concern. Despite this, the projects demonstrated how gender inclusion can expand opportunities for women’s participation in governance, entrepreneurship, and other socio-economic development areas.
As cities continue to grow, innovative infrastructure solutions that integrate a strong participatory approach, gender and climate considerations, institutional and capacity development, and faster project implementation mechanisms are vital for building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban future in Pakistan.
More information on the CDIA Interventions:
- Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Project (PICIIP)
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP)
- Islamabad Bus Rapid Transit Project (IBRTP)
- Peshawar Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Project
Photos:
Abbottabad
Mardan
Sahiwal
Sialkot
