ASPIRE Program Extended Until 2028

ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has officially extended its Actions to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education (ASPIRE) program in Pakistan by three years, moving the revised closing date to June 30, 2028. This extension includes an additional $33 million in financing, reaffirming the international lender’s commitment to supporting educational reforms in the country.

The extension aims to tackle school disruptions, increase access to quality education, and improve coordination between federal, provincial, and district stakeholders—especially in lagging and underperforming districts.

Progress and Achievements Recognized

Official documents show that the project’s development objectives and overall implementation status have been rated as satisfactory. A range of Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) and Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs) were achieved during the current reporting period, including:

• Construction or renovation of 2,094 classrooms for grades 6–8 in lagging districts under DLI 7.

• Upgraded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in 1,000 schools under DLI 8.

• Teacher training programs focused on distance learning, literacy, accelerated learning, and formative assessments under DLI 9.

In addition, $30 million was disbursed in the fiscal year 2024–25 for the program’s implementation under DLR 10.5, linked to the NEEP budget allocation.

Digitalization and Data Systems Enhanced

The National Online Data Portal became operational in June 2025 under DLR 11.1, improving transparency and enabling standardized education data collection and analysis (DLR 11.2). The 2023–24 Annual School Census was released in May 2025, offering a comprehensive view of Pakistan’s educational landscape.

Moreover, Pakistan participated in an international literacy and numeracy assessment (DLR 12.3), reflecting its commitment to measuring student outcomes on a global scale.

New Policies and Frameworks Rolled Out

The ASPIRE program has also catalyzed major policy developments across provinces:

• Foundational learning policies have been formally introduced under DLR 13.

• The Out-of-School Children Catch-up Framework has been both designed (DLR 14.1) and established (DLR 14.2).

• An Investment Project Financing (IPF) component worth $3 million is part of the new funding package.

• A performance-based transfer mechanism will be introduced to incentivize progress at federal, provincial, and district levels.

New DLRs Introduced in Extended Phase

The updated phase of ASPIRE introduces six new Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs):

1. Development and approval of well-being and nutrition policies (DLR 1.2)

2. Implementation of foundational learning policies in 25% of primary schools in lagging districts (DLR 13.2)

3. Horizontal integration of provincial education data (DLR 11.3)

4. Alignment and IPEMC approval of provincial assessments with the National Achievement Test (DLR 12.4)

5. Approval of Out-of-School Children Catch-up Framework Design (DLR 14.1)

6. Establishment of the Catch-up Framework (DLR 14.2)

All completed DLIs and DLRs have undergone independent verification, reinforcing the program’s credibility and accountability.

For any further curries feel free to contact us.

FAQs

Q: What is the ASPIRE program?
A: ASPIRE (Actions to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education) is a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at improving education access, quality, and equity in Pakistan.

Q: When will the ASPIRE program now conclude?
A: The new closing date is June 30, 2028, following a three-year extension.

Q: How much additional funding has been provided?
A: An additional $33 million has been approved, including $3 million under the IPF component.

Q: What are some key achievements of ASPIRE so far?
A: Renovation of 2,094 classrooms, upgraded WASH facilities in 1,000 schools, teacher training, operational data portals, and international student assessments.

Q: What are DLIs and DLRs?
A: DLIs (Disbursement Linked Indicators) and DLRs (Disbursement Linked Results) are measurable targets linked to funding disbursement, ensuring results-based implementation.

Q: What are the new focus areas under the extension?
A: Nutrition policies, foundational learning, data integration, standardized assessments, and a catch-up framework for out-of-school children.