Bangkok: Pakistan is set to intensify its collaboration with the World Bank Group to expedite the implementation of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2026-2035, as revealed in a recent meeting between Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, during the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The discussions focused on enhancing technical and financial support, integrating multisectoral programs, and implementing digital monitoring systems to track progress.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Cheema highlighted the government’s commitment to overcoming systemic challenges in project planning and execution through a whole-of-government approach. The discussions emphasized the need for efficient deployment of concessional resources to maximize development impact while maintaining debt sustainability. Key areas of focus included human development, climate resilience, and economic transformation, with an emphasis on sectors that can generate employment and promote inclusive growth. The meeting also addressed support for the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project and the development of an Economic Railway Corridor, as well as advancing Pakistan’s minerals sector through the proposed Minerals Compact.

Ms. Bjerde reiterated the World Bank’s dedication to supporting Pakistan’s priority sectors and improving operational efficiency to ensure that development financing results in sustainable and measurable benefits. Both parties committed to strengthening their cooperation to achieve shared goals under the CPF.