Quetta: In a significant advancement for provincial development, the Government of Balochistan and the World Bank have laid the groundwork for a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) aimed at bolstering Balochistan’s reform and development agenda. This collaboration was confirmed during a meeting between the World Bank Country Director Naji Benhasin and Balochistan’s Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the agreement follows discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Benhasin, focusing on comprehensive support for Balochistan’s strategic sectors. Chief Secretary Khan detailed the provincial government’s reform initiatives, which prioritize education, health, local government enhancement, and agricultural productivity.
Benhasin outlined the World Bank’s commitment to supporting five critical areas in Pakistan over the next decade. These include improving basic health services, enhancing nutrition and family planning, expanding access to clean water and sanitation, reducing educational deficits, and bolstering the agricultural sector against water scarcity and drought. The World Bank’s initiatives also aim to increase resilience to climate-related disasters, support economic decarbonization, foster more inclusive employment opportunities, and enhance the macro-financial environment to boost productivity and private investment in key economic sectors.
This partnership marks a pivotal step towards addressing some of Balochistan’s most pressing challenges and fostering sustainable development across the province.