Pakistan’s Youth Bulge and the Jobs Imperative: Why the Next Decade Will Define Economic Stability
As Pakistan faces a surge of young entrants into the labour market, World Bank President Ajay Banga has warned that failure to create millions of jobs annually could push the economy toward prolonged instability. This article examines the scale of the challenge, the structural constraints holding back employment growth, and the policy shifts needed to turn a demographic surge into sustainable economic momentum.
Pakistan Must Create 30 Million Jobs in a Decade to Avoid Instability, Says World Bank President
World Bank President Ajay Banga warns Pakistan must generate up to 30 million jobs over the next decade to turn its youth population into economic growth and prevent migration and instability.
Pakistan to Align Electricity and Gas Subsidies with BISP, Says World Bank
The World Bank backs Pakistan’s plan to link electricity and gas subsidies with the Benazir Income Support Programme, aiming to improve targeting, reduce circular debt, and reshape social protection spending.
World Bank Rates Punjab’s $204 Million PRIAT Agriculture Project Satisfactory
The World Bank–financed Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation (PRIAT) Project has received a satisfactory rating for implementation and development progress, with nearly 70% funds disbursed and major gains in irrigation efficiency and farm incomes.
Pakistan in Talks for $36 Billion Power Sector Refinancing to Cut Electricity Tariffs
Pakistan is negotiating $36 billion in long-term financing with international lenders and Saudi Arabia to refinance power sector debt over 13 years, aiming to lower industrial electricity tariffs and manage circular debt.
World Bank flags risks in Nepra Act, Electricity Act amendments affecting Pakistan’s power regulator autonomy
The World Bank has raised concerns that proposed amendments to the Nepra Act, 1997 and Electricity Act, 1910 could undermine the independence of Pakistan’s power regulator, Nepra, prompting attention from the Prime Minister and industrial stakeholders.
World Bank Calls on Pakistan to Accelerate Private Investment and Structural Reforms
The World Bank has urged Pakistan to fast-track private investment and adopt a results-based reform approach under the Country Partnership Framework 2026–35 to boost growth, exports, and job creation.
World Bank Calls on Pakistan to Fast-Track Private Investment to Meet CPF 2026–35 Targets
The World Bank has urged Pakistan to accelerate private investment reforms, warning that current levels remain below CPF 2026–35 targets, and highlighted structural constraints, export potential, and priority reforms during talks with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Pakistan Approaches World Bank for Refinancing $36bn Energy Sector Debt to Reduce Power Tariffs
Pakistan has approached the World Bank to explore refinancing options for $36 billion in energy sector debt, aiming to replace costly foreign loans with cheaper multilateral financing and reduce electricity prices for consumers.
World Bank–Funded Balochistan Livelihoods Project Generates Jobs and Boosts Rural Entrepreneurship
The World Bank–funded Balochistan Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Project has created nearly 19,000 full-time jobs, supported 45,000 beneficiaries, and empowered women, with project closure set for February 2026.