ISLAMABAD, May 8, 2024—The World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, concluded his three-day visit to Pakistan today and reaffirmed the World Bank’s support to stabilize the economy and accelerate inclusive and resilient growth.
Raiser met with the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and members of his government as well as key counterparts to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities. The discussions focused on economic and fiscal reforms, human capital development, adaptation to climate change, energy sector reforms, and digitalization as a foundational enabler and accelerator of development.
“I am pleased to learn about the Government’s reform plans to boost growth and attract more private investment, leverage digital transformation to improve governance, strengthen climate resilience, and invest in human capital to tackle daunting challenges such as child stunting and learning poverty,” said Raiser.
During his visit to Islamabad, Raiser met with Mr. Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Economic Affairs, Economic Affairs Division; Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Finance and Revenue; Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari, Minister of Energy (Power Division); Mr. Musadik Masood Malik, Minister of Energy (Petroleum Division), and Water; and Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State, Information Technology and Telecommunication. He also met with the development partners of Pakistan and members of civil society.
During his visit to the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Raiser met with the members of the Provincial Government as well as Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, a Member of the National Assembly. Discussions focused on the provincial developmental priorities and how can the World Bank step up its support in key sectors, like education, water and sanitation, health, rural roads, and livelihoods, in the face of climate change challenges, particularly in the Merged Districts.
Raiser also attended the National Education Conference on Out-of-School Children under the chairmanship of the Honorable Prime Minister. During this conference he reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment for urgent action to tackle the large number of out of school children and improve access to and the quality of learning in schools.
Raiser was joined in his meetings by Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, and Zeeshan Ahmed Sheikh, Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation.
