ISLAMABAD: World Bank President Ajay Banga has arrived in Pakistan on a key visit focused on reinforcing the country’s long-term partnership with the global lender, as reported on Sunday, quoting sources.
Officials said Mr Banga will stay in Pakistan until February 4 and is set to meet senior members of the government. His schedule includes discussions with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and other top officials.
The meetings will cover a range of matters, including economic reforms, water-related challenges and other major national issues. He is also expected to receive briefings on Pakistan’s reform agenda and priority development initiatives.
Sources added that the visit is likely to push forward work under the “10-year Country Partnership Framework”, under which the World Bank plans to extend $20 billion in support to Pakistan by 2035.
In December last year, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved $700 million in funding for the Pakistan Public Resources for Inclusive Development – Multiphase Programmatic Approach (PRID-MPA).
PRID-MPA is a long-term initiative designed to help strengthen macroeconomic stability and improve public service delivery across the country.
According to a World Bank press release, the programme aims to support reforms at both federal and provincial levels by boosting domestic revenue, improving the efficiency of public spending and using data and digital systems to enhance service delivery.
The initiative aligns with ongoing fiscal reforms under the IMF Extended Fund Facility and the National Fiscal Pact, and is expected to provide up to $1.35 billion in financing over several phases.