**France Grants €12 Million to Boost Water and Sanitation Services in Punjab**
The French Development Agency (AFD) has signed a €12 million grant agreement with Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs to enhance institutional capacity for delivering improved water and sanitation services in Lahore and Faisalabad. The new funding aims to strengthen existing systems and support long-term improvements in these rapidly growing cities.
This initiative will complement ongoing French government investments in Punjab. In Faisalabad, France has already supported the establishment of a drinking water treatment plant, ensuring safer water access for the local population. In addition, the French government has expressed interest in financing the construction of a wastewater treatment facility in Lahore, aligning with Pakistan’s infrastructure development priorities for urban areas.
Officials from both countries highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing sustainable development goals and improving quality of life. By supporting institutional capacity at the provincial level, the collaborative efforts are expected to deliver lasting benefits for residents of Lahore and Faisalabad.
France remains committed to assisting Pakistan through technical and financial cooperation, helping to address pressing urban challenges in water and sanitation. This latest grant underscores the ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to environmental sustainability and public health between the two nations.
