- Earthquake: One year later survivors share stories of rebirth.
The earthquake that hit Pakistan on October 8, 2005 is arguably the most debilitating natural disaster in the country's history. It left 73,000 people dead, 2.8 million without shelter, and over a million without an income. The World Bank has committed US$870 million for earthquake recovery and reconstruction, including support for housing and livelihood.
- Micro credits to more than 275,000 borrowers; family incomes increased
The World Bank is the main financer of Pakistan’s Poverty Alleviation Fund, which provides assistance to poor communities throughout the country. It has extended micro-credit loans to more than 275,000 borrowers, of which 45% are women. The repayment rate for these loans is 100%. The Fund has also financed more than 3,400 local infrastructure projects from building wells to paving small roads. In areas where the Fund has been active, family incomes and consumption significant increased. Personal and business assets have improved, as has the social status of the borrowers, especially women.

- Water systems for more than 9,000 families in Balochistan
A World Bank-financed project has created a model which harnesses the energy and creativity of farmers to develop sustainable irrigation systems. Thirty-seven farmer organizations were formed in the project area and were trained to take over the control and management of irrigation schemes. The result has been more efficient resource use and increased employment and income at the local level. Another component of the project supported the completion of 11 drinking-water systems resulting in better health indicators. By the time the project closed in June, 2002, it had benefited more than 9,200 families.

- School enrollment increased, particularly among girls
On average, boys in Pakistan complete about five years of schooling, while girls complete only two and a half. The government has been working to address this problem, and a World Bank-financed project has helped make a difference in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. In the project area, between 1993 and 1999, girls’ enrollment in classes one to five increased from 15% to 29%, whereas for boys the percentage went up from 49% to 72%. Similarly, the drop-out rate for girls went down from 17% to 11% and for boys from 14% to 10% during the project years.

- Better sanitation systems for 80 rural communities in Northern Pakistan
A World Bank-financed community infrastructure project has enabled thousands of people to live in a cleaner, safer environment in Pakistan’s North-west Frontier Province. The project supports the development of community organizations which then design and help implement local infrastructure projects. The works have included the provision of water supply, storm water drainage, flood protection, pavement of streets and foot paths, sanitation, and solid waste management. So far more than 80 urban and rural communities with more than 500 households each have benefittd.