Pakistan, World Bank discuss new health, skills development initiatives

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and Mamta Murthi on Wednesday discussed new development initiatives focused on human capital, skills development, workforce readiness and youth employment, Ministry of Economic Affairs said in a statement.

During a meeting in Islamabad, Murthi briefed the minister on the World Bank’s proposed interventions in health, education and human development, including a medium-term Health Compact aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and enhancing service delivery through digital technologies.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of launching a Skills Development Program to strengthen technical and vocational training, improve workforce readiness and create better employment opportunities for young people.

Cheema welcomed the proposals and stressed the need to align future interventions with Pakistan’s national development priorities. He highlighted the importance of expanding the use of digital solutions in primary healthcare and ensuring that skills development initiatives are demand-driven and responsive to labour market needs.

The minister also emphasized greater private sector participation and called for enhanced engagement by International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support healthcare systems and industry-oriented skills programmes.

The meeting explored avenues for deeper collaboration among the government, the World Bank Group and the private sector to advance Pakistan’s human capital and economic development objectives.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in support of the country’s long-term development goals, the statement added.