Islamabad (TDI): World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, Bolormaa Amgaabazar, called on Federal Minister for Finance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, to review ongoing cooperation under the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF).
The meeting centered on strengthening collaboration in priority reform areas aligned with the government’s economic agenda, such as population management and human capital development, climate resilience, agriculture reforms, and energy sector sustainability.
Minister Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of effectively operationalizing the CPF to ensure that strategic objectives translate into measurable outcomes.
He highlighted population management and climate change as urgent national priorities, stressing that coordinated action is essential to address long-term development challenges.
The finance minister underscored the need for robust coordination between federal and provincial governments to ensure policy coherence and successful implementation.
While provinces hold primary responsibility for execution in many sectors, he noted that federal ministries must remain actively engaged in planning, oversight, and monitoring to ensure alignment with national priorities and sustained ownership of reform initiatives.
Strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms was identified as critical to delivering intended development outcomes and ensuring accountability.
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Amgaabazar reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to deepening collaboration with both federal and provincial stakeholders, emphasizing enhanced information sharing and streamlined coordination.
Progress in the agriculture sector featured prominently in the discussions. Reforms aimed at boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, improving farmers’ access to finance, and encouraging private sector participation were reviewed.
Minister Aurangzeb stressed the importance of harmonizing provincial agricultural initiatives with broader national reform strategies to promote sustainable growth and job creation.
The World Bank expressed readiness to continue supporting agricultural transformation, including collaboration with the International Finance Corporation to mobilize private investment.
Energy sector reforms and financial sustainability also came under review. Both sides explored options to enhance the long-term viability of the sector, recognizing its central role in economic stability.
It was agreed that technical-level engagements would continue to identify feasible solutions consistent with Pakistan’s fiscal framework and reform objectives.
Amgaabazar briefed the minister on the performance of the World Bank’s overall portfolio and ongoing development operations, reiterating the institution’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic stabilization and human capital development goals.
