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Pakistan Strengthens Collaboration with World Bank, Securing $40 Billion Commitment
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Focus on sustainable advancement and economic growth thru new partnership framework.
By Anya Sharma | WASHINGTON, D.C. – 2025/06/27 09:10:03
Federal Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema met with World Bank leadership in Washington DC on Thursday to discuss and celebrate the enhanced collaboration aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economy. according to a ministry statement released on Friday, the discussions were highly productive.
The World Bank had previously pledged $20 billion to Pakistan in January under a 10-year country partnership framework (CPF), designed to foster inclusive and sustainable development within the nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a $40 billion “investment” by the World Bank, anticipating that this inflow would “open a new chapter” across various sectors of the economy.
During the meeting with WB Operations Managing Director Anna Bjerde and South Asia Regional Vice President Martin Raiser, the federal minister acknowledged and appreciated the strengthened collaboration between Pakistan and the Bank over the past year.
This deepened engagement has led to the development of the new country partnership framework (CPF) 2026-2035, described as a transformative ten-year strategy supported by a $40bn commitment from the World Bank.
The minister expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s support, especially during critical challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating 2022 floods.
“As our largest development partner, the World bank has played an indispensable role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress and improving the lives of our citizens,” Cheema stated.
With the CPF successfully launched, the minister emphasized the government’s dedication to finalizing a extensive implementation framework in collaboration with the WB.
He also welcomed Pakistan’s transition to the WB’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region under Vice President Ousmane Dione, highlighting that this move would “create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and regional synergy”.
In a separate meeting with WB Executive Director Abdelhak Bedjaoui, the minister recognized his effective depiction of Pakistan’s economic interests.
Cheema suggested that regular visits by the executive directors to constituent countries would enhance understanding of development needs and opportunities for the WB’s engagement. Discussions also covered the Bank’s recent approvals, including the $700mn Reko Diq mining project and a $400mn risk participation facility.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the WB country team to achieve the CPF’s development objectives and ensure transformational impacts.
The WB leadership conveyed their full support for the effective implementation of the CPF, reinforcing the institution’s ongoing commitment to Pakistan’s sustainable economic development.
Key Priorities of the Pakistan-World Bank partnership
“As our largest development partner, the World Bank has played an indispensable role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.”
The strengthened partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank aims to address critical areas for sustainable development and economic growth. The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) serves as the guiding strategy for this collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Country Partnership Framework (CPF)?
- The CPF is a strategic document that outlines the World Bank’s support program for a specific country, aligning with the country’s development priorities. It serves as a roadmap for collaboration and investment.
- How will the $40 billion investment be used?
- The $40 billion investment will be directed towards various sectors of Pakistan’s economy, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and social development, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth.
- What are the expected benefits of this partnership for pakistan?
- The partnership is expected to enhance Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, improve the lives of its citizens, and foster sustainable development across various sectors of the economy.
