ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s caretaker Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed has said that World Bank (WB) as one of the major development partners of Pakistan was playing a vital role in the socioeconomic uplift of Pakistan. The minister also appreciated the WB’s continued support and commitment for the ongoing development projects in the country particularly for the flood-affected areas.
The minister passed these remarks in a meeting with Country Director World Bank, Njay Benhassine who was called up on the caretaker minister here on Monday.
Njay Benhassine was accompanied by his team including Gailius J. Draugelis (Operations Manager) for Pakistan at WB and Kamran Akbar, (Senior Social Development Specialist), Chief Executive Officer CEO, P3A Board and other senior officials.
The minister while talking over the continues liaison between Pakistan and WB further said that the Planning Ministry was committed to play its constructive role in facilitating the WB for the timely implementation of all development projects to make the country as climate resilient.
He further said that in coordination with the WB, Pakistan was optimistic to explore all possible efforts for the revival of the country’s economy.
It is noted that in last year, Pakistan suffered with an unprecedented devastation due to torrential rains and flooding in most parts of the country, that affected over 33 million people and economic losses worth $30 billion. To cope with the challenging situation the government of Pakistan prepared the 4RF framework. The 4FR document suggested effective and timely coordination and participation arrangement among the federal and provincial units, development partners, donors, international and national NGOs, and academic and private sectors.
WB Country Director Assures Support to Pakistan
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Country Director WB, appreciated the role of the Planning Ministry while establishing a green channel for the quick approval of PC-1s of the various projects. He assured to continue their support with the caretaker government and in future, particularly for the implementation of climate resilient infrastructure, human resource development, employment, education and vocational training, water, agriculture and energy development sector.
