Bangkok: Pakistan and the World Bank have reached an agreement to deepen their cooperation to advance shared priorities under the Country Partnership Framework. This commitment was articulated during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Governor to the World Bank Group, Ahad Khan Cheema, and the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, in Bangkok.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings, with discussions focused on the implementation of Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework 2026-2035. Ahad Khan Cheema emphasized the government’s determination to convert the framework’s objectives into tangible development outcomes, urging for increased technical and financial support. He advocated for integrated multisectoral programs as well as digital monitoring systems to track progress and measure impact.

The importance of stronger project preparedness through Project Readiness Facilities, predictable financing, and enhanced implementation support to expedite project approvals and execution was also underscored by Cheema. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s initiative to address systemic bottlenecks in project planning and implementation, stressing the need for greater operational effectiveness, stronger institutional capacity, and a focus on timely delivery.

Discussions further included the World Bank Group’s support for critical sectors like human development, climate resilience, water, sanitation, and economic transformation. Cheema also highlighted the significance of investing in sectors with high job-creation potential to expand employment opportunities and promote inclusive growth.

Cheema discussed enhanced support for the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project and the vision of an Economic Railway Corridor along the 1,800-km railway line to strengthen connectivity and unlock economic opportunities. He also mentioned the proposed Minerals Compact to advance Pakistan’s minerals sector.

In her response, Anna Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s priority sectors and collaborating with the government to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate project implementation. Both parties agreed to ensure that development financing results in timely, sustainable, and measurable benefits for the people of Pakistan.