Web Desk: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with World Bank Group Managing Director Anna Bjerde on the sidelines of the Annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies on Thursday to review ongoing development cooperation and discuss future priorities.
During the meeting, both officials followed up on last week’s visit by the World Bank President to Pakistan and assessed progress under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). They discussed ways to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the implementation of development projects.
The talks covered key sectors including energy, education, health, climate resilience, infrastructure, debt-for-development swaps, and fiscal reforms. Emphasis was placed on adopting a more focused approach, introducing clear performance trackers, and ensuring effective execution to convert commitments into tangible outcomes.
Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank Group’s strong support for Pakistan’s ten-year development program, valued at $20 billion, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement and efficient implementation to maximize developmental impact.
Aurangzeb stressed the government’s commitment to close collaboration with the World Bank, pledging full cooperation from relevant federal ministries. He also noted the role of provincial governments in ensuring timely execution, better coordination, and delivery of measurable results under the program.
Launched in 2025, the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies gathers finance ministers, central bank governors, senior policymakers, leaders of international financial institutions, and experts from around the world to discuss challenges and opportunities facing emerging markets.
Both sides agreed to maintain momentum and focus on implementing reforms that support Pakistan’s long-term development objectives.
