Islamabad: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema met with World Bank Vice President for People, Ms. Mamta Murthi, to discuss progress under current cooperation between Pakistan and the World Bank and the launch of new initiatives focusing on human capital development, skills development, and youth employment generation.

According to Press Information Department, Ms. Murthi briefed the Minister on the World Bank’s proposed interventions in sectors such as health, education, and human development. These include a medium-term Health Compact aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving maternal and child health outcomes. The initiative also emphasizes enhancing service delivery through digital health solutions and attracting other development partners. Additionally, a Skills Development Program was discussed, which aims to bolster technical and vocational training to improve workforce readiness and create better employment opportunities for young Pakistanis.

The Minister for Economic Affairs welcomed these proposals, emphasizing the need to align future interventions with national development priorities. He highlighted the importance of strengthening primary healthcare via digital solutions and ensuring that skills development initiatives are demand-driven and industry-led. The Minister also stressed the need for increased private sector participation and greater engagement by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support healthcare systems and industry-oriented skills initiatives.

The meeting further explored options for deeper collaboration among the government, the World Bank Group, and the private sector to support Pakistan’s human capital goals. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation in advancing the country’s human capital and economic development objectives.