Pakistan must stay course on reforms, says World Bank’s Bjerde

World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde emphasized the need for consistent policy implementation to sustain economic stability and encourage private-sector investment and growth.

During her two-day visit to Pakistan, which concluded Friday, Bjerde praised the government’s reform efforts and met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss collaboration on the new 10-year World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework. They also emphasized the importance of coordinated federal and provincial reforms to ensure long-term, inclusive growth.

“Pakistan’s path to sustainable economic recovery and poverty reduction depends on comprehensive reforms that prioritize human capital, macroeconomic stability, climate resilience, sustainable energy and private-sector growth,” Bjerde said.

“During my visit, we discussed next steps in the government’s reform agenda, particularly in fiscal, digital and energy sectors, as well as opportunities for private-led growth and entrepreneurship—especially to create quality jobs for women and youth.”

Bjerde also met with Economic Affairs Minister and World Bank Governor Ahad Khan Cheema; Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb; Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal; Energy Minister Sardar Awais Laghari; and others.

Discussions centered on implementing the Country Partnership Framework to address Pakistan’s key challenges, including human capital development—particularly for women and girls—water and sanitation access, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and private-sector job creation.

Bjerde also visited World Bank-funded project sites in Sindh’s Shaheed Benazirabad District, accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho. The delegation was hosted by First Lady and National Assembly member Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.

The visit included meetings with beneficiaries of the 2022 Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project and staff at a Basic Health Unit supported by the National Health Support Program. Bjerde also discussed ongoing and planned development projects with Shah and his cabinet.