The World Bank Group's Boards of Executive Directors have approved a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan, aiming to promote inclusive and sustainable development. The framework focuses on building human capital, fostering private sector growth, and enhancing economic, social, and environmental resilience.
"Our new decade-long partnership framework for Pakistan represents a long-term anchor for our joint commitment with the Government to address some of the most acute development challenges facing the country: child stunting, learning poverty, its exceptional exposure to the impacts of climate change, and the sustainability of its energy sector," stated Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. He emphasized that supporting policy and institutional reforms to boost private sector-led growth will be crucial.
The CPF outlines six key outcomes: reducing child stunting through improved access to clean water and sanitation; decreasing learning poverty via quality education; increasing resilience to climate-related disasters; promoting cleaner energy; enhancing fiscal management; and boosting productive investment.
Zeeshan Sheikh, International Finance Corporation Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, noted the focus on attracting private investment in critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, finance, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. "We are also collaborating with public and private partners to address key policy challenges that inhibit a more inclusive participation of the private sector in Pakistan’s economy," he said.
Şebnem Erol Madan from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency highlighted that guarantee instruments will support private investment aligned with CPF goals where domestic and foreign sectors can contribute.
The CPF was informed by policy notes, analytical work, consultations with stakeholders including government entities at various levels, civil society groups, academia, media representatives, and development partners. It aligns with national plans like Uraan Pakistan and the Prime Minister’s Economic Transformation Agenda.
Since 1950, the World Bank Group has provided substantial financial assistance to Pakistan. The current portfolio includes 106 projects with a total commitment of $17 billion across IBRD, IFC, and MIGA.