PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the World Bank have agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation in the digital and energy sectors, focusing on artificial intelligence, IT infrastructure, data centres and renewable energy.
The agreement was reached during a meeting, where both sides reviewed their ongoing collaboration and discussed potential areas of partnership to support the province’s digital transformation and economic development.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies across the province, as well as the development of infrastructure for the proposed KP Data Centre.
The two sides also discussed measures to strengthen the province’s IT infrastructure and address existing technical and institutional challenges that could affect the growth of the sector.
On the energy side, the KP government briefed the World Bank delegation on ongoing investments in hydropower generation projects and transmission networks. The meeting was informed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission & Grid System Company (KPT&GSC) had been established to facilitate the evacuation and distribution of electricity.
The provincial government said it intends to use the transmission network to channel green and renewable energy to support industrial growth and meet other development needs across the province.
The World Bank delegation appreciated the performance of the KP government, particularly its progress in the IT sector. Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and expressed commitment to further strengthening cooperation in digital technology and energy.
As a next step, the meeting agreed to establish a joint working group comprising representatives of the World Bank and the KP government to examine technical requirements and other modalities for future cooperation.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Finance Muzzammil Aslam and Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah.
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