Islamabad — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga to Islamabad on Monday, February 2, 2026, for his first official visit to Pakistan in the role, reaffirming the country’s commitment to deepening ties under the ‘One World Bank Group’ initiative.
The high-level meeting came as Banga began a four-day tour that includes discussions with key officials like Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Both sides focused on accelerating economic reforms, strengthening development cooperation, and ensuring smooth execution of shared priorities over the next decade.
Mr. Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group (WBG) calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/qNwKMptTjB
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 2, 2026
Key Highlights
- PM Shehbaz praised the long-standing Pakistan-WBG partnership and the ten-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) as a strong model for collaborative progress.
- Emphasized Pakistan’s comprehensive reform agenda targeting sustainable economic stability, infrastructure upgrades, agribusiness, digital development, energy security, human capital, financial sector improvements, job creation, and private investment.
- Called for rapid implementation, effective monitoring, and removal of bottlenecks in project delivery to deliver timely, large-scale results.
- Ajay Banga thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and commended Pakistan’s ongoing reform drive.
- Stressed deepening cooperation through the ‘One World Bank Group’ approach, highlighting the need for close coordination with partners and efficient mobilization of private resources.
- Both leaders agreed on aligning priorities to achieve sustainable outcomes and boost investor confidence through administrative reforms.
Meeting Underscores Long-Term Development Commitment
For many Pakistanis watching these talks, the conversation carries real weight — the World Bank’s support has long helped fund roads, schools, power projects, and flood recovery efforts that touch everyday lives. Shehbaz made it clear that the government’s multi-dimensional reforms are home-grown yet open to global expertise, aiming to build resilience and growth that benefits ordinary citizens.
Banga’s visit signals fresh momentum at a time when Pakistan is pushing hard to stabilize the economy and attract investment. His praise for the reform efforts and commitment to the ‘One World Bank Group’ framework offers quiet reassurance that international partners remain engaged for the long haul.
What’s Next in Pakistan-WBG Cooperation
With Banga scheduled to meet more senior officials over the coming days, expectations are high for concrete follow-through on the CPF’s goals. The emphasis on faster execution and private-sector leverage could open doors to bigger investments in energy, digital infrastructure, and job-generating sectors.
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This exchange reflects Pakistan’s steady push for equitable progress — a partnership built on mutual respect and shared ambition to deliver lasting development for the people of the country.
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