Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb met Microsoft co founder Bill Gates on Thursday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s reform agenda, public health priorities, and ongoing cooperation with the Gates Foundation.
According to Finance Division sources, the discussion centered on institutional reforms underway in Pakistan, efforts to eradicate polio, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation for sustainable development and capacity building.
The finance minister acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s long standing contributions in Pakistan, especially its role in polio eradication. He appreciated the foundation’s continued support in addressing public health challenges and improving service delivery. Sources said Bill Gates briefed the minister on the foundation’s current and future activities in Pakistan and stressed the need for sustained efforts to achieve complete polio eradication.
Both sides agreed on the importance of close coordination with provincial governments and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of health initiatives, particularly in high risk areas.
The meeting also included discussion on the digitalization of Pakistan’s tax system. Muhammad Aurangzeb thanked Bill Gates for the foundation’s recent support in tax digitalization and described it as a key pillar of the government’s broader reform agenda. He said mobilizing domestic resources through transparency and digital tools is a top government priority and is being monitored at the highest level.
Bill Gates highlighted the importance of an effective tax system for achieving long term economic self reliance. According to sources, Muhammad Aurangzeb said improved fiscal stability has enhanced Pakistan’s ability to cope with economic and environmental challenges, and emphasized the need for continued reforms to ensure long term stability.
Both leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in the health sector, including local vaccine production and strengthening supply chains. They agreed to stay engaged with relevant ministries and partners to explore practical and sustainable options.
