Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for stronger coordination between the federal government and provinces to push ahead with key economic reforms, as the World Bank reaffirmed its support for Pakistan under its Country Partnership Framework.
The remarks came during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday between the finance minister and World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolormaa Amgaabazar, according to an official statement.
The two sides discussed ways to improve cooperation under the Country Partnership Framework, which outlines the World Bank’s support for Pakistan’s development priorities. Talks covered a wide range of areas, including population growth, human capital development, climate resilience, agriculture reforms, energy sector sustainability and the performance of ongoing projects.
Focus on coordination and oversight
Aurangzeb said there was a need to ensure that reforms agreed at the national level are carried out in a coordinated and effective manner. He noted that while many projects are implemented by provincial governments, federal ministries must stay closely involved in planning, supervision and monitoring.
He said better coordination would help align provincial initiatives with national goals and avoid gaps in policy design or execution.
The finance minister also stressed the importance of putting the Country Partnership Framework into action, especially in priority areas such as population management and climate change. He said these sectors require clear targets, strong monitoring and transparency to deliver real results.
Both sides exchanged views on how to improve institutional coordination and ensure that projects are designed with clear outcomes in mind. They also discussed ways to strengthen monitoring systems so that development programmes achieve their intended impact.
Agriculture and energy reforms on agenda
Progress in the agriculture sector was also reviewed. Discussions focused on reforms to improve productivity, strengthen value chains, expand access to finance and encourage greater private sector involvement.
Aurangzeb said agricultural reforms must be linked with broader national efforts to support sustainable growth and create jobs. The World Bank expressed readiness to continue backing agricultural transformation, including through cooperation with the International Finance Corporation.
Energy sector reforms were another key topic. Both sides discussed financial sustainability and long term viability of the sector. It was agreed that technical level discussions would continue to explore workable solutions within Pakistan’s fiscal framework.
Bolormaa Amgaabazar briefed the minister on the performance of the World Bank’s overall portfolio in Pakistan and ongoing development operations. She reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting economic stabilisation, climate resilience and human capital development.
Aurangzeb welcomed the continued partnership and said the government remains committed to structural reforms, stronger governance and development programmes that bring lasting benefits to people across the country.
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