The World Bank has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic agenda, particularly focusing on structural reforms, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. This announcement was made following a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and World Bank Regional Vice President Martin Raiser in Islamabad, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to stabilize its economy and attract global financial assistance.
At the heart of this renewed partnership lies the upcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2026–2030, through which the World Bank aims to extend up to $40 billion in financial and technical assistance over the next decade. This long-term collaboration is geared towards accelerating human capital development, boosting private sector investment, addressing climate change, and ensuring inclusive and resilient growth.
During the high-level meeting, Pakistan expressed its resolve to meet World Bank performance benchmarks and maintain macroeconomic discipline, including fiscal and energy sector reforms. In return, the World Bank pledged fast-track support for ongoing and upcoming development initiatives. Key among these are the Reko Diq Mining Project, aimed at enhancing mineral exports and creating jobs, and financial facilities to attract private investment in infrastructure.
In addition, the Private Sector Risk Participation Facility and reform-focused programs like RISE-II and PACE demonstrate a strong push for institutional strengthening, energy sector transformation, and regulatory improvements. These programs are not only helping build investor confidence but also contributing to economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
Below is a summary of some major initiatives:
| Initiative/Project | Funding Amount (USD) | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Country Partnership Framework (CPF) | Up to $40 Billion (2026–2035) | Support reforms, human capital, private sector growth, and climate resilience |
| Reko Diq Mining Project | $700 Million | Develop a major mineral resource to boost exports and jobs |
| Private Sector Risk Participation Facility | $400 Million | Attract private capital and de-risk infrastructure investments |
| Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE-II) | $350 Million | Support fiscal reform, governance, and institutional capacity |
| Program for Affordable and Clean Energy (PACE) | $400 Million | Accelerate transition to sustainable, affordable energy systems |
This strategic alignment with the World Bank is seen as crucial to Pakistan’s economic recovery roadmap. With implementation of key reforms and performance-linked financing, Pakistan could harness this opportunity to transform its long-term growth prospects and enhance its global economic standing.
