Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for stronger federal oversight and better coordination with provinces to ensure successful implementation of structural economic reforms, as the World Bank reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s reform programme.
The remarks came during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday between the finance minister and Bolormaa Amgaabazar, according to an official statement.
The discussion focused on advancing Pakistan’s development priorities under the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework, covering areas such as population management, human capital development, climate resilience, agricultural reform, and energy sector sustainability.
Aurangzeb stressed that while many reforms are implemented at the provincial level, federal ministries must remain actively involved in planning, supervision, and monitoring to maintain policy consistency across the country. He emphasised the need for closer federal–provincial cooperation to ensure that development strategies are aligned with national goals.
Both sides also discussed improving transparency in project design, strengthening performance monitoring, and setting clearer development targets to achieve better economic and social outcomes in Pakistan.
Agriculture sector reforms received special attention, particularly efforts to improve productivity, strengthen value chains, expand access to financing, and encourage greater private sector participation. The World Bank expressed readiness to continue supporting agricultural transformation initiatives, including cooperation with the International Finance Corporation.
Energy sector sustainability and long-term financial stability were also part of the talks, with both sides agreeing to maintain technical-level engagement to explore practical policy solutions.
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic stabilisation, climate resilience, and human capital development efforts, while the finance minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to structural reform and improved governance.
