World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Wednesday visited flood-affected areas of Larkana district to review post-flood rehabilitation efforts, with particular emphasis on women-led housing initiatives and reconstruction following the devastating 2022 floods.
Read More: World bank president Ajay Banga begins four-day Pakistan visit
Mr Banga arrived in Larkana with a high-level 10-member delegation and was received at Mohenjo-Daro Airport by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Shah, the chief secretary and other senior officials. Accompanied by the chief minister, the World Bank president visited Bhawal Jatt village near Dokri, where he interacted with women beneficiaries at a community centre.
Speaking to locals, Mr Banga highlighted three core principles of sustainable development. He stressed that granting women ownership rights was fundamental to empowerment, adding that women should be economically active, manage household finances and play a central role in ensuring children’s education. He observed that empowered women effectively strengthen entire families and communities.
World Bank President Ajay Banga accompanied by Sindh CM @MuradAliShahPPP addressed flood affectees, highlighting three key features of the SPHF program: women’s ownership rights, circulation of capital within communities, and provision of basic facilities. #SPHF #WorldBank pic.twitter.com/Y4jBhL1bIc
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) February 4, 2026
Commending Sindh’s housing model, Mr Banga praised the practice of opening bank accounts in women’s names alongside house construction, describing it as a transparent and inclusive approach. He noted that women directly managed payments, construction workers earned livelihoods, and the circulation of funds helped boost the local economy. He emphasised that the initiative was not only about building houses but also about improving overall quality of life.
He termed Sindh’s 2.1 million housing programme an extraordinary effort that had generated employment and stimulated economic activity, while also lauding the transparent transfer of funds. “Development is a shared responsibility of the government and the people,” he remarked.
Read More: WB President Ajay Banga visits Taxila
Later, Mr Banga visited the archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro with CM Shah, where he toured the ruins, museum and ancient structures. He praised the city’s planned urban layout, calling it a remarkable example of early human ingenuity, and stressed the importance of preserving heritage for future generations.
Briefing the World Bank president, CM Shah said the housing project required around $2 billion, with World Bank funding playing a crucial role in launching reconstruction. He said more than one million houses had been completed, while around 1.5 million were under construction. Mr Banga later departed for Karachi.