ADB agrees to $600 mln loan for Pakistan's Ehsaas program

Economic Affairs Minister Omar Ayub Khan (R) talking to ADB country director Yong Ye (L) in a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan on Oct. 21, 2021. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistan Economic Affairs Division)
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Updated 22 October 2021
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ADB agrees to $600 mln loan for Pakistan's Ehsaas program

  • Ehsaas is a social safety and poverty alleviation program launched by Pakistan in 2019
  • In May, the World Bank ranked a pandemic cash grant under Ehsaas among the top four global social protection measures

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to a $600 million loan to support Pakistan's poverty reduction Ehsaas program, the economic affairs ministry announced on Thursday.

Ehsaas, the Pakistani government's ambitious poverty alleviation plan, aims to help the country’s poorest gain better access to health care, education, and employment.

The $600 million loan announcement was made during ADB country director Yong Ye's meeting with Economic Affairs Minister Omar Ayub Khan on Thursday.

"It will support GoP's (government of Pakistan) efforts to implement high priorities i.e. social protection & poverty reduction, in a coordinated & cohesive manner," the ministry said in a statement.

Ehsaas (Compassion) is a social safety and poverty alleviation program launched by Pakistan in 2019.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Pakistan, the government introduced cash grants under the Ehsaas program to support families deprived of livelihoods by coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions on commercial activity.

The Ehsaas Emergency Cash (EEC) initiative provided a one-time grant of Rs12,000 ($77) to nearly 100 million low-income households.

In May, the World Bank ranked the EEC among the top four global social protection measures, based on the percentage of population covered.

 

 


Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

Updated 13 December 2025
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Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

  • Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
  • Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft. 

A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.

However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination. 

“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement. 

It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added. 

“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said. 

It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.