Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and the World Bank have committed to accelerating the implementation of the Country Partnership Framework 2026-2035.
- The focus is on project preparedness, concessional financing, and investments in human development and climate resilience.
- Discussions covered support for critical sectors including human development, climate resilience, and economic transformation.
Pakistan and the World Bank have agreed to expedite the implementation of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026-2035, with a focus on project preparedness, concessional financing, and investments in human development and climate resilience.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Pakistan’s Governor to the World Bank Group, Ahad Khan Cheema, met with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, during the 2026 World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
Cheema highlighted the government’s commitment to translating the CPF’s objectives into tangible development outcomes, emphasizing the need for enhanced technical and financial support, integrated multisectoral programs, and digital monitoring systems.
The minister stressed the importance of stronger project preparedness through dedicated Project Readiness Facilities (PRFs), predictable financing, and enhanced implementation support to expedite project approvals and execution.
Concessional resources must be deployed efficiently to maximize development impact while safeguarding debt sustainability, Cheema noted.
Discussions also covered the World Bank’s support for critical sectors such as human development, climate resilience, water and sanitation, and economic transformation.
The minister highlighted the importance of investments in sectors with high job-creation potential to expand employment opportunities and promote inclusive growth.
Cheema discussed enhanced support for the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project and the vision of an Economic Railway Corridor along the approximately 1,800-km railway line to strengthen connectivity and unlock economic opportunities.
The proposed Minerals Compact was also mentioned as a key initiative to advance Pakistan’s minerals sector.
Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s priority sectors and working with the government to strengthen operational efficiency and accelerate project implementation.
