Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, president of the OPEC Fund for International Development, in Bangkok, Thailand. The talks took place on the margins of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026.
Aurangzeb pointed to the country’s economic stabilisation, its progress under an IMF programme and its return to international capital markets. He welcomed the Fund’s readiness to expand trade and project financing for Pakistan.
M6 motorway loan and rail and power priorities
The two sides discussed financing for the M6 motorway, covering the first tranche that has already been approved, the loan agreement still pending and later tranches. They also identified the ML-1 railway modernisation and power transmission infrastructure as key priorities.
Both parties called for faster approvals and closer coordination to keep projects on schedule. They also exchanged views on regional peace and stability. Aurangzeb thanked Alkhalifa for an invitation to visit the Fund, where the project agreement could be signed.
Global South voice and development finance talks
Aurangzeb also met UN Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina J. Mohammed. They discussed strengthening the Borrowers’ Forum through peer learning, governance continuity and an effective virtual Secretariat.
He called for a stronger Global South voice and more responsive international financial institutions. Both sides stressed adequate financing for the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction and decent jobs, while climate financing gaps were also on the agenda.
Local currency lending and Pakistan’s mediation role
Aurangzeb highlighted local currency financing as a way to reduce exchange rate risks, alongside accountable domestic policymaking. He thanked Ms. Amina for recognising Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the recent US–Iran crisis.
