On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the invaluable support of the World Bank Group, which has played a key role in advancing Pakistan’s economic development and reforms.
According to sources, he expressed these views while speaking with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, who met him in Pakistan on Monday. Sources said that the Prime Minister welcomed Ajay Banga on his first official visit to Pakistan as President of the World Bank Group.
The Prime Minister appreciated the long-term partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank Group and its commitment to promoting the country’s development priorities, particularly highlighting support under the 10-year World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF) as commendable. He also lauded Ajay Banga’s leadership in making the World Bank Group a more effective development partner.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to implementing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional, and locally tailored reform program to achieve sustainable economic stability. He praised the World Bank Group’s support in strengthening infrastructure, agribusiness, digital development, energy, human capital, financial reforms, employment opportunities, and increasing private sector investment.
Sources added that the Prime Minister and Ajay Banga emphasized ensuring swift implementation and effective monitoring of priorities aligned with the Country Partnership Framework to achieve timely and large-scale results. These measures will help remove obstacles in the implementation of development projects and support the fulfillment of the Prime Minister’s vision.
The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to comprehensive administrative reforms aimed at promoting employment-driven economic growth and further strengthening investor confidence.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and hospitality in Pakistan. He appreciated the government’s ongoing reform efforts and reiterated the World Bank Group’s commitment to deepening cooperation. He further stated that close coordination with development partners and the effective use of private resources are essential to achieving the objectives of the government’s reform agenda.
