World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, has concluded a five-day visit to Pakistan. The visit was marked by the launch of a new 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the fiscal years 2026-2035. This framework outlines strategic areas of collaboration between the World Bank Group and Pakistan.
During his visit, Mr. Raiser met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to officially launch the CPF. He stated, "The World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework marks an important evolution in our engagement. It is aligned with Uraan Pakistan, the government’s National Economic Transformative Plan and focuses on six outcomes with clear, tangible and ambitious 10-year targets."
Mr. Raiser engaged in discussions with several cabinet members about ongoing reforms and future implementation of the CPF. He acknowledged Pakistan's progress in economic stabilization and emphasized that attracting private sector investment is crucial to achieving the framework's targets.
"The Word Bank Group’s support will not be sufficient to achieve the ambitious targets set forth," said Mr. Raiser. "The World Bank Group stands ready to work with the private sector and development partners to mobilize additional resources."
Meetings were also held with Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudary, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari; Minister Musadik Masood Malik; State Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik; and Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam.
Additionally, Mr. Raiser met Chief Ministers Maryam Nawaz Sharif of Punjab and Ali Amin Gandapur of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss plans for implementing the CPF.