Key Points
- World Bank indicates sustained engagement with Pakistan under its 10-year Country Partnership Framework.
- Prime Minister outlines reform priorities aimed at economic stability and job-led growth.
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank on Monday signalled continued financial and policy support for Pakistan’s economic reform programme as discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focused on implementation priorities.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to expedite the execution of projects and implementation of the World Bank’s 10-year Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan. The World Bank has already earmarked approximately $20 billion for Pakistan’s CPF up to 2035, which would be reinforced with an equal amount from the Bank’s commercial lending arm, the International Finance Corporation.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, who is on a four-day official visit to Pakistan, met the prime minister to review progress on reforms and to align future development support with the government’s economic stabilisation and growth agenda.
The engagement forms part of the World Bank’s long-term planning with Pakistan aimed at sustaining macroeconomic stability and improving service delivery.
According to officials, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined a comprehensive reform programme designed to restore economic stability, strengthen investor confidence and generate employment.
He underscored the role of multilateral financing and technical assistance in supporting reforms across infrastructure, agribusiness, digital development, energy and the financial sector.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need for fast-tracked execution and stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that projects under the Country Partnership Framework deliver tangible outcomes.
He said improved implementation would help remove delays that have historically constrained development initiatives.
The World Bank President acknowledged the reform trajectory and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to working with Pakistan under its “One World Bank Group” approach, which integrates financing, policy advice and private sector support.
He emphasised that closer coordination with development partners and efficient allocation of resources would be critical to achieving reform objectives.
The discussions come as Pakistan seeks to stabilise its economy through structural reforms and sustained engagement with international financial institutions amid external financing pressures and fiscal constraints.
