ADB Loan for Highway Project Faces Lapse Risk
- Islamabad - The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed a series of petitions challenging the legality of funding received from the Asian Progress Bank (ADB).
- The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled the petitions challenging funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as infructuous on January 11,2026.
- The dismissal stems from the petitioners' failure to demonstrate a continuing legal dispute.
Islamabad – The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed a series of petitions challenging the legality of funding received from the Asian Progress Bank (ADB). The court declared the petitions infructuous,effectively upholding the validity of the ADB-backed projects.
Pakistan Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled the petitions challenging funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as infructuous on January 11,2026. This decision means the court will not further consider the challenges to the ADB’s financial support for projects within Pakistan.
The dismissal stems from the petitioners’ failure to demonstrate a continuing legal dispute. The court found that the issues raised had either been resolved or were no longer relevant given the progression of the funded projects.
According to a press release from the Supreme Court, the bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, stated that pursuing the matter further would serve no practical purpose.
Asian Development Bank’s Role in Pakistan
The asian Development Bank is a significant financial partner for Pakistan, providing loans and grants for infrastructure, energy, and social sector development.
Since 1969, the ADB has committed over $43 billion in loans and grants to Pakistan. As of December 31, 2025, the ADB’s active portfolio in Pakistan included 51 projects totaling $9.7 billion across transport, energy, public sector management, and social sectors. ADB Country Operations Strategy, Pakistan (2021-2025) details the bank’s priorities.
Recent ADB-funded projects include the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Advancement Project, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, and the Peshawar Enduring Bus Rapid Transit System, designed to improve urban transportation.
Planning commission of Pakistan and Project Implementation
The Planning Commission of Pakistan oversees the implementation of projects funded by international financial institutions like the ADB. the Commission ensures projects align with national development goals and are executed efficiently.
The ADB provides funding based on detailed project proposals approved by the Planning Commission.Disbursement of funds is contingent upon meeting specific milestones and adhering to ADB’s procurement guidelines and environmental safeguards.
Such as, the Mohmand Dam project, a large-scale water and hydropower project, is partially financed by the ADB.The planning Commission works closely with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to manage the project’s implementation and ensure compliance with ADB requirements. WAPDA’s Mohmand Dam Project page provides details on the project’s progress.
Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026