ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that the Pakistani government is actively implementing a comprehensive, locally-driven economic reform agenda aimed at achieving enduring economic stability. This broad strategy seeks to tackle critical structural challenges and bolster long-term resilience.
He shared these views in a meeting with World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga, who was visiting Pakistan for the first time as WBG President. Extending a warm welcome to Banga in Islamabad, the prime minister expressed his appreciation for the World Bank Group’s steadfast partnership and its dedicated efforts in addressing Pakistan’s developmental goals, especially through the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF).
The prime minister praised Ajay Banga’s leadership and his drive to transform the World Bank Group into a more dynamic and impactful institution. He acknowledged the Bank’s significant contributions in key sectors such as resilient infrastructure, agriculture, energy, digital transformation, human capital development, fiscal reforms, and support for private sector-led investment to generate employment and fuel economic growth.
Both leaders emphasized the necessity of accelerating the implementation of CPF-related projects while ensuring stringent monitoring to deliver meaningful outcomes more efficiently. These initiatives align with the prime minister’s vision to remove barriers hindering the execution of essential development programs.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to structural reforms intended to foster inclusive, employment-driven economic growth and enhance investor trust in Pakistan’s financial landscape.
Ajay Banga, in turn, thanked the prime minister for his gracious reception and hospitality. He commended Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts, highlighting the critical role of leveraging private-sector resources coupled with robust collaboration with development partners to meet the ambitious targets set by the government. Pledging strengthened cooperation, Banga promised enhanced collaboration through a unified One World Bank Group approach to support Pakistan’s development trajectory.
