Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, began his participation at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C., with a significant meeting alongside Ms. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank Group. During their discussion, the Finance Minister expressed gratitude for the World Bank Group’s sustained support of Pakistan’s reform and development initiatives.
The dialogue centered on Pakistan’s economic prospects, particularly addressing the first and second-order impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict. Both parties underscored the necessity of bolstering social protection programs to shield vulnerable populations from external shocks. They also reviewed advancements under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), recognizing substantial progress in key areas while stressing the need for continued commitment to fully realize the framework’s goals.
Senator Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of a unified federal and provincial approach to effectively tackle Pakistan’s demographic challenges and requested the World Bank Group’s assistance in formulating a comprehensive Master Plan to address these issues.
In another key engagement, the Finance Minister met with Mr. Jorge Familiar Calderón, Vice President of the World Bank Group, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings. He congratulated Mr. Familiar Calderón on his recent appointment and highlighted the pivotal role of the World Bank Group Treasury in aiding developing countries through improved access to capital markets, financial innovation, and advisory services related to debt and risk management.
Senator Aurangzeb outlined Pakistan’s diversified financing approach, which includes instruments such as Sukuk and ESG-linked financing, along with efforts to engage non-traditional markets. He also pointed to initiatives aimed at deepening the domestic bond market as part of broader measures to enhance the country’s financial framework.
The Finance Minister called for increased knowledge sharing and capacity building, advocating for enhanced technical assistance, sophisticated analytical tools, and specialized training for Pakistan’s Debt Management Office. He noted that the Advisor to the Debt Management Office within the Ministry of Finance will serve as the focal point for coordinating collaborative programs with the World Bank Group, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s long-term financial resilience.
