Islamabad – The Pakistan government is finalizing the agenda for World Bank President Ajay Banga’s upcoming five-day visit to Islamabad, scheduled from January 31 to February 4, 2026. The visit is expected to focus on economic reforms, energy sector challenges, fiscal sustainability, and ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the World Bank.
During the visit, Banga will meet senior Pakistani officials, including Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue Rashid Mahmood Langrial. A joint meeting with these key officials is scheduled for February 2, 2026, where sectoral updates and reform initiatives will be discussed in detail.
The Economic Affairs Division has directed the Ministries of Energy, Finance, and the Federal Board of Revenue to prepare eight-minute presentations for the World Bank President, highlighting key developments, ongoing reforms, and strategic plans across their respective sectors. These presentations are intended to provide a concise overview of progress and outline areas where World Bank support can further strengthen Pakistan’s economic framework.
The agenda emphasizes in-depth discussions on Pakistan’s energy sector, including reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, promoting sustainability, and improving governance within the sector. Officials are expected to brief Banga on measures to address energy supply challenges, reduce circular debt, and implement modernisation initiatives across power and petroleum infrastructure.
This visit follows a series of preparatory engagements, including a recent meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region. During that session, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari outlined sector priorities and key challenges, ensuring alignment ahead of the World Bank President’s visit.
The discussions are anticipated to reinforce Pakistan’s ongoing partnership with the World Bank, focusing on targeted interventions that support fiscal sustainability, economic growth, and development in critical sectors. Analysts note that the visit will also provide an opportunity to explore financing mechanisms, technical assistance, and policy guidance for projects in energy, infrastructure, and public finance.
Banga’s engagement reflects the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic agenda and reform initiatives. Officials expect that the visit will result in actionable recommendations and enhanced collaboration, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting long-term development objectives across the country.
Overall, the visit is being seen as a strategic milestone in deepening Pakistan’s cooperation with international financial institutions, providing a platform to address pressing economic challenges and implement sustainable, growth-oriented reforms.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.