WASHINGTON: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has initiated his official engagements at the World Bank\u2013IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C., beginning with a high-level meeting with Ms. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, the Finance Minister acknowledged and appreciated the long-standing support of the World Bank Group for Pakistan\u2019s economic reforms and development agenda. Both sides exchanged views on Pakistan\u2019s macroeconomic outlook, including challenges related to managing first and second-order impacts arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discussions also highlighted the need for continued economic stability amid external pressures.A key focus of the dialogue was the strengthening of social protection systems in Pakistan to shield vulnerable segments of society from the adverse effects of external shocks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both parties agreed that enhancing safety nets remains essential for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Progress under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) was also reviewed, where both sides recognized meaningful advancements in priority areas while stressing the importance of sustained reforms to fully achieve the framework\u2019s long-term objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Finance Minister further emphasized the need for a coordinated federal and provincial strategy to address Pakistan\u2019s demographic challenges. In this context, he requested technical and strategic support from the World Bank Group for the development of a comprehensive national Master Plan aimed at long-term planning and demographic management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Separately, Finance Minister Aurangzeb also held a meeting with Mr. Jorge Familiar Calder\u00f3n, Vice President of the World Bank Group, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings 2026. He congratulated him on his recent appointment and highlighted the critical role of the World Bank Group Treasury in supporting developing economies through improved access to international capital markets, financial innovation, and advisory services in debt and risk management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the discussion, the Finance Minister outlined Pakistan\u2019s diversified financing strategy, including the issuance of Islamic Sukuk, ESG-linked financing instruments, and efforts to access non-traditional global financial markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also briefed on ongoing initiatives to strengthen the domestic bond market as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing Pakistan\u2019s financial architecture and economic resilience.He further stressed the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity building, and technical assistance, urging enhanced support in the form of advanced analytical tools and specialized training for Pakistan\u2019s Debt Management Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These measures, he noted, are crucial for strengthening long-term debt sustainability and financial stability.It was also informed that the Advisor to the Debt Management Office at Pakistan\u2019s Ministry of Finance will act as the focal person for coordinating collaborative programs with the World Bank Group, ensuring structured engagement and effective implementation of joint initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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WASHINGTON: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has initiated his official engagements at the World Bank\u2013IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C., beginning with a high-level meeting with… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3119,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[35,102,2011],"class_list":["post-3118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pakistan","tag-pakistan","tag-pakistan-economy","tag-world-bank"],"yoast_head":"\n