ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: The Asian Development Bank on Monday said it would consider financing the Bhasha dam whenever it received a request from Pakistan after finalising technical details of the project.

In an announcement, the ADB said it agreed with the government on the need to address the infrastructure deficit in the country for high-sustained growth and was committed to providing assistance for the purpose. Therefore, it said, the bank would consider the request for assistance for constructing large dams, including the Bhasha dam, which were important for meeting the country’s water needs and ensuring energy security.

It said Pakistan was one of the ADB’s largest and most important partners in developing Asia. Its assistance has substantially increased in recent years and amounted to $1.5 billion in 2005.