WASHINGTON, USA: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has secured a key commitment from the World Bank to help Islamabad develop a comprehensive Master Plan addressing the nation’s demographic challenges, as he opened Pakistan’s engagements at the Spring Meetings 2026.
During his meeting with World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde, in Washington D.C, Aurangzeb also reinforced the need for stronger social safety nets to protect millions of vulnerable citizens from the economic ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict. The two leaders reviewed Pakistan’s reform agenda and agreed on a coordinated federal-provincial strategy to ensure long-term stability.
Finance Minister Discusses Reform Agenda and Social Protection with World Bank’s Anna Bjerde
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, commenced his engagements at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 today with a productive meeting with Ms. Anna… pic.twitter.com/uiRjZjmK2V
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) April 13, 2026
Appreciation for World Bank’s continued support
The Finance Minister expressed gratitude for the World Bank Group’s longstanding assistance to Pakistan’s reform and development agenda. The two leaders examined Pakistan’s economic outlook, including the management of first and second-order effects stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Focus on social protection
Both sides acknowledged the critical need to strengthen social protection measures aimed at shielding vulnerable population segments from external shocks. They agreed that robust safety nets are essential for cushioning the impact of regional instability on ordinary citizens.
Progress under country partnership framework
The meeting also reviewed advancements made under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). While recognizing meaningful progress across several priority areas, both parties emphasized the necessity of sustained efforts to fully accomplish the framework’s objectives.
Call for coordinated federal-provincial approach
The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of adopting a coordinated federal and provincial strategy to effectively tackle Pakistan’s demographic challenges. In this context, he formally requested the World Bank Group to support the development of a comprehensive Master Plan aimed at addressing population-related issues through unified governance.
