World Bank Directors Review $40 Billion Investment for Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met with the nine World Bank Executive Directors who came to Pakistan for the first time in two decades to assess the implementation of the $40 billion Country Partnership Framework. The premier said $20 billion would be directed toward health, education, and youth development, while the remaining $20 billion would be invested in the private sector through the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The prime minister also briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s fast-tracked digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to curb inflation and ongoing power sector reforms. The World Bank delegation acknowledged the progress of Pakistan’s economic reforms, particularly in energy, industry, exports, privatization, and revenue generation. Discussions also covered further investment in infrastructure projects. Shehbaz reiterated that investment and partnerships, rather than loans, are Pakistan’s priority and named the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as key for attracting foreign exchange. The World Bank delegation praised Pakistan’s reform initiatives in energy, industry, exports, and privatization, noting that the government’s policies are yielding positive results. The meeting was attended by senior ministers and government officials, including Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Sardar Awais Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, and others.