Regulatory hurdles delay World Bank Connected Punjab funding

World Bank Connected Punjab funding has seen no disbursements so far, with financing agreements unsigned and AI and data rules still to be met.

The $70 million programme was approved on June 30, 2026, but it is not yet effective because financing and implementation agreements are unsigned.

No money has been disbursed against the revised allocation of $69.25 million.

Punjab must set up an AI oversight committee with citizen representation by June 2027.

The cashless payments component targets 350,000 people by June 2031.

The World Bank rated progress and overall implementation as moderately satisfactory, with a moderate overall risk rating.

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