ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $603 million results-based lending programme to strengthen and expand social protection programmes in Pakistan. According to a statement issued by Manila-based bank on Wednesday, the programme using conditional cash transfers will support the implementation of Ehsaas, the country’s national social protection and poverty reduction strategy. Under the Integrated Social Protection Development Programme, ADB will provide a regular loan of $600 million and a $3 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, and will administer a $24 million grant from the Education Above All Foundation. Special Assistant to the PM for Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar said that ADB is a trusted and long-standing partner of Pakistan. TLTP
