Pakistan has sought continued financing from the World Bank Group (WBG) for its National Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development Programme and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Pakistan’s Governor to the World Bank Group, Ahad Khan Cheema, raised the matter during a meeting with WBG President Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Bangkok, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s development priorities and the need to translate macroeconomic stabilisation into sustainable, investment-led economic growth. Discussions covered productive employment, improved livelihoods and the implementation of development projects intended to support the country’s longer-term economic objectives. The engagement also built on Banga’s visit to Pakistan in February 2026, during which the two sides discussed development cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the partnership.
Cheema acknowledged the World Bank Group’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and accelerate the preparation and implementation of development projects. According to the statement, average project preparation time had been reduced from 19 months to nine months. The minister also noted that the WBG had mobilised a record $112 billion in private capital during fiscal year 2026. These efforts were discussed in the context of improving the pace of development financing and increasing the role of private investment in economic activity.
Pakistan also outlined its government-wide reform efforts aimed at addressing administrative bottlenecks and improving project execution. The reforms are being led by the Prime Minister’s Steering Committee on implementation reforms, which is intended to help streamline processes and accelerate delivery across government initiatives. Both sides agreed on the need to simplify procedures further and improve the implementation of development projects so that agreed objectives can translate into measurable outcomes.
A key part of the discussions concerned the alignment of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and investment priorities. Cheema emphasised that policy reforms should be accompanied by large-scale investments in sectors capable of supporting economic growth, job creation and improvements in public services. The areas highlighted included digital transformation and artificial intelligence, minerals and value addition, primary healthcare, skills development, agricultural value chains, energy and transport infrastructure.
The proposed National Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development Programme was among the initiatives for which Pakistan sought continued WBG financing. The programme reflects the government’s interest in incorporating artificial intelligence into economic development and strengthening the country’s capacity to benefit from digital technologies. The discussions placed AI alongside wider digital transformation priorities, although the statement did not disclose a financing amount, project timeline or final approval for the programme.
The ML-1 railway project was another major item on the agenda. The project is an important part of Pakistan’s transport infrastructure development plans, and continued engagement with the World Bank Group could support efforts to advance the country’s railway modernisation objectives. However, the meeting statement did not specify a new financing package, a disbursement schedule or a final funding commitment for ML-1. The request therefore represents an effort to maintain development financing discussions rather than confirmation that additional funds have been approved.
The two sides also discussed investment priorities in minerals and value addition, healthcare, skills training, agricultural value chains, energy and transport. These sectors form part of a broader development agenda focused on strengthening productive capacity and improving the conditions for sustained economic growth. Investment in skills and healthcare can support workforce participation, while improvements in agriculture, energy and transport infrastructure can help address constraints affecting businesses and economic activity.
Cheema stressed that the partnership should deliver lasting results supported by credible monitoring and clear improvements for the people benefiting from development projects. This approach places emphasis not only on financing and project completion but also on the effectiveness of implementation and the outcomes achieved for communities and businesses. Stronger monitoring can help assess whether development initiatives are meeting their intended objectives and whether resources are being used effectively.
The meeting reflects Pakistan’s efforts to secure continued multilateral support for infrastructure development, artificial intelligence and wider economic reforms. The government’s stated priorities combine technology adoption with investment in transport, energy, healthcare, agriculture and skills development. While the discussions covered several areas of cooperation, the statement did not announce a new funding agreement or confirm approval of additional financing for the AI programme or ML-1 project. Further progress will depend on subsequent project-level discussions, financing decisions and implementation arrangements.
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