World Bank pledges continued support for Pakistan’s reform agenda

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema and the incoming World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), as Islamabad pushes ahead with fiscal and structural reforms.

Amgaabazar met with Cheema in Islamabad alongside outgoing Country Director Najy Benhassine, whose tenure was marked by increased engagement between the World Bank and Pakistan. Cheema praised Benhassine’s contributions and expressed confidence in Amgaabazar’s leadership to carry forward ongoing programmes.

“The government remains fully committed to delivering long-term, sustainable outcomes through fiscal, energy and economic reforms,” Cheema said during the meeting, according to a statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The minister also underscored the government’s efforts, with support from the World Bank and other partners, to facilitate provincial authorities in executing development projects.The World Bank team welcomed Pakistan’s reform momentum and highlighted the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ role in coordinating national and sub-national development efforts.

The meeting comes as Pakistan prepares to finalise a new programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and expands cooperation with multilateral institutions to stabilise its economy and attract investment.