The World Bank Group has reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s economic transformation, emphasizing that private-sector investment is crucial to achieving ambitious development goals.
World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, concluded his five-day visit to Pakistan, reiterating the institution’s support for fostering growth and inclusive development.
Strategic Partnership for Pakistan’s Future
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Raiser formally launched the Pakistan Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for FY2026-35 during his visit. This framework sets the strategic direction for collaboration between the World Bank Group and Pakistan over the next decade.
“The CPF marks a significant evolution in our engagement. It aligns with Uraan Pakistan, the government’s National Economic Transformative Plan, and focuses on six key outcomes with clear and ambitious 10-year targets,” said Raiser.
He expressed optimism that these targets would provide a strong foundation for sustained implementation, ensuring tangible benefits for the people of Pakistan.
High-Level Meetings and Reform Discussions
Raiser met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and key cabinet members to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and the roadmap for CPF implementation.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s economic stabilization progress and highlighted the importance of policy reforms to achieve long-term, inclusive development.
“The World Bank Group is committed to working with the private sector and development partners to mobilize additional resources. The success of the Country Partnership Framework depends on strong collaboration between federal and provincial governments, improved revenue mobilization, and more efficient government spending,” Raiser added.
Key Stakeholder Engagements
During his visit, Raiser held discussions with senior officials, including:
- Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs
- Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives
- Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Finance & Revenue
- Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Energy (Power Division)
- Musadik Masood Malik, Minister of Energy (Petroleum Division) & Minister of Water Resources
- Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance & Revenue
- Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the PM on Climate Change
He also engaged with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to discuss province-specific CPF implementation plans.
A Collaborative Roadmap for Economic Growth
With Pakistan’s economic reform agenda in focus, the World Bank aims to facilitate public-private partnerships, enhance investment opportunities, and drive policy implementation to ensure sustainable financial progress.
The Pakistan Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026-35 is expected to serve as a blueprint for economic stability, fostering inclusive growth and attracting global investments to support Pakistan’s development journey.
