The World Bank has called for consistent implementation of economic reforms in Pakistan to sustain macroeconomic stability and unlock stronger private sector investment and growth.
During a two-day visit to Pakistan, Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, said the country’s recovery depends on long-term reforms focused on human capital, climate resilience, fiscal discipline, and private-sector development.
In meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Bjerde discussed the new 10-year Country Partnership Framework between Pakistan and the World Bank Group, aimed at addressing the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. She highlighted the need for better coordination between federal and provincial governments to ensure sustained and inclusive growth.
“Pakistan’s path to sustainable economic recovery and poverty alleviation rests on comprehensive reforms that prioritise human capital, macroeconomic stability, climate resilience, sustainable energy, and private sector growth,” she said.
Bjerde also discussed the government’s reform priorities in the fiscal, digital, and energy sectors, and highlighted the importance of expanding job opportunities, especially for women and youth, through private sector-led growth.
Her visit included a trip to project sites in Sindh’s Shaheed Benazirabad District, where she reviewed the progress of World Bank-supported initiatives. Accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Bjerde met beneficiaries of the 2022 Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project and visited a Basic Health Unit under the National Health Support Programme.
She also held talks with Sindh government officials, including members of the provincial cabinet, on ongoing and planned development projects. The World Bank delegation was hosted by First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari during the visit.
