Bangkok: Pakistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group have outlined a plan to advance US$5.6 billion in cooperation focused on infrastructure development, trade enhancement, and polio eradication. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema met with IsDB Chairman Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser during the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok to discuss the Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) for 2026-2030.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting highlighted IsDB’s US$475 million financing for the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and their recent approval of US$100 million for Pakistan’s polio eradication program’s Phase V. The discussions also emphasized the strategic importance of the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project, with Pakistan seeking enhanced support from IsDB and coordination with the Asian Development Bank for project preparation and implementation.

The partnership aims to strengthen development cooperation by involving various IsDB entities to expand opportunities in export finance, SMEs, infrastructure, and energy transition. The Minister highlighted the mobilization of over US$1 billion in trade financing through the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) during FY2025-26 and called for more competitive terms for future facilities.

Dr. Al Jasser praised Pakistan’s economic vision and affirmed IsDB Group’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities. Both parties emphasized the importance of a strong partnership focused on transformational investments and measurable outcomes.