Pakistan has requested more financial support from the World Bank through its International Development Association (IDA) programs. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb made the appeal during a meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga in Washington. He also highlighted the urgent need for reforms in Pakistan’s power and gas sectors to ensure efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Aurangzeb thanked the Bank for its past support, especially after recent floods, and called for more technical help in agriculture and tariff policy. He stressed that reaching small farmers through tech and cooperative models can improve resilience. The minister also praised the Bank’s role in Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework and requested expanded collaboration.
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At a separate roundtable hosted by the Peterson Institute, Aurangzeb shared Pakistan’s economic progress and reform plans. He spoke about the IMF agreement, better credit ratings, and revenue reforms led by the Federal Board of Revenue. He said the government is speeding up privatisation and improving fiscal management to boost performance.
Aurangzeb also held meetings with UK and Gulf officials to strengthen partnerships. He thanked the UK for its support and discussed aligning development work with national goals. In talks with Gulf banks and digital groups, he promoted Pakistan’s financing strategy, digital transformation, and plans to issue Panda Bonds in China.
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He also met Fitch Ratings and welcomed Pakistan’s credit upgrade. In talks with TCX, he supported local currency hedging to reduce debt risks. The minister concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to reforms, global cooperation, and modernizing energy, economy, and digital sectors for stable and sustainable growth.