ISLAMABAD, Thursday, July 24, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing long-term development goals through strengthened collaboration with the World Bank, during a meeting with Ousmane Dione, Regional Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP).
The two sides expressed a shared resolve to deepen the strategic partnership, particularly under the newly adopted Country Partnership Framework (CPF), which aims to align World Bank support with Pakistan’s development priorities, including energy, human capital, climate resilience, and governance reforms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz extended special thanks to World Bank President Ajay Banga and former Pakistan Country Director Najy Benhassine for their instrumental role in shaping the CPF, which he said is a “blueprint for inclusive and sustainable progress.”
He also acknowledged the World Bank’s support for Pakistan’s stance on key international legal matters, including India’s unilateral actions affecting the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the institution’s principled approach vital for upholding global agreements and regional peace.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to international cooperation, peaceful dialogue, and economic stability. He particularly thanked the World Bank for its generous assistance during the 2022 floods, which enabled rapid relief and early recovery efforts across affected regions.
Ousmane Dione expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality and lauded the government’s macroeconomic management and reform efforts. He commended PM Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in fostering fiscal discipline, reviving investor confidence, and steering Pakistan toward financial stability and inclusive growth.
“The World Bank remains a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s development journey,” Dione affirmed, pledging continued support for reform implementation and expanded engagement across critical sectors of the economy.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to turning shared development goals into tangible outcomes for the people of Pakistan.
