World Bank Lauds Pakistan’s Push for Inclusive Growth and Reforms – SUCH TV

The World Bank’s Vice President for the MENAAP region, Ousmane Dione, concluded his first visit to Pakistan under the Bank’s newly expanded regional framework.

During the three-day visit, he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and top federal and provincial leaders to discuss Pakistan’s economic challenges and development priorities.

Dione expressed admiration for Pakistan’s commitment to human development, inclusive economic growth, and structural reforms. Key topics discussed included the Country Partnership Framework, job creation, and social safety nets.

In Islamabad, meetings were held with Ministers Ahad Cheema (Economic Affairs), Awais Leghari (Energy), and Ahsan Iqbal (Planning), where collaboration on reform implementation and faster project delivery under the World Bank’s new regional alignment was emphasized.

In Karachi, Dione reviewed World Bank operations in flood-affected areas, housing reconstruction, and efforts to tackle child stunting.

He met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Minister Sharjeel Memon, reinforcing the Bank’s support for provincial development.

Dione reaffirmed:“We stand committed to helping Pakistan address major challenges including clean energy access, climate resilience, learning poverty, and public health”.

He was accompanied by World Bank’s new Pakistan Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, IFC’s Country Manager Zeeshan Sheikh, and regional directors for Human Development and Infrastructure.