February 2, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is moving forward with a comprehensive, home-grown economic reform agenda aimed at achieving long-term stability and sustainable growth, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held detailed discussions with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga in Islamabad. The meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of reforms, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring tangible outcomes aligned with the Country Partnership Framework (CPF).
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of fast-tracking reform measures and addressing bottlenecks that have slowed the execution of development projects. The discussion underscored the need for coordinated efforts to translate policy commitments into measurable progress, particularly in areas critical to economic recovery and long-term development. Strong oversight and timely execution were identified as essential components for delivering results and maintaining reform momentum.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the World Bank Group’s continued support across a wide range of priority sectors. He highlighted the Bank’s role in strengthening resilient infrastructure, promoting agribusiness development, supporting energy sector reforms, advancing digital development, and investing in human capital. The Prime Minister also noted the importance of fiscal reforms and initiatives aimed at boosting private sector investment, which he described as central to creating jobs and sustaining economic growth.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Prime Minister stated that structural reforms remain a core pillar of Pakistan’s economic strategy. He emphasized that the reform agenda is designed to promote job-rich growth, improve competitiveness, and enhance investor confidence at a time when the economy is transitioning from stabilization toward recovery and expansion. The government’s focus, he said, is on ensuring that economic gains are broad-based and durable.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga commended Pakistan’s reform efforts and acknowledged the progress made in stabilizing the macroeconomic environment. He reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan through a One World Bank Group approach, which integrates financing, technical expertise, and policy support to maximize development impact. Banga emphasized that sustained reform implementation would be key to unlocking long-term growth potential and improving development outcomes.
Beyond high-level economic discussions, Ajay Banga also visited the Jaulian Buddhist archaeological site in Khanpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he appreciated the province’s efforts to preserve and manage its cultural heritage. During the visit, he was briefed on ongoing preservation initiatives and the historical significance of the site, which is part of the ancient Gandhara civilization.
The World Bank President expressed appreciation for the management and conservation efforts at Jaulian and assured continued support for heritage preservation initiatives in the province. Discussions during the visit also touched on the broader linkages between cultural heritage, tourism development, and regional economic growth, highlighting the potential of heritage sites to contribute to local economies through sustainable tourism.
The engagement between Pakistan’s leadership and the World Bank reflects a shared emphasis on reform implementation, development effectiveness, and long-term economic resilience. As Pakistan advances its home-grown reform agenda, continued international cooperation and domestic policy discipline are expected to play a critical role in shaping a more stable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economic trajectory.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.