World Bank, KP discuss digital, IT initiatives

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and a World Bank delegation on Friday reviewed ongoing cooperation in the energy, information technology and digital sectors and discussed new opportunities for future partnership.
The meeting was jointly chaired by KP Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam and Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and was attended by officials from the provincial government and the World Bank.
The participants discussed digital transformation and artificial intelligence initiatives in the province, as well as plans for establishing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Data Centre.
Both sides considered strategies to strengthen the province’s IT infrastructure and address the technical and institutional challenges facing the sector.
On energy infrastructure, the provincial government briefed the World Bank delegation on ongoing investments in hydropower generation projects and transmission-line networks.
The officials said a dedicated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission and Grid System Company had already been established for electricity transmission and distribution.
The provincial government reiterated its commitment to using green and renewable energy through the transmission networks to support industrial growth and other development needs.
The government also reaffirmed its resolve to modernise the province’s IT infrastructure and expand energy resources to support digital and economic development across KP.
The World Bank delegation appreciated the provincial government’s performance, particularly its progress in the IT sector.
The meeting also agreed to establish a joint working group comprising representatives of the World Bank and the KP government to examine technical and other matters and explore areas for further cooperation.