World Bank president’s upcoming visit: economy, reforms and water top agenda

ISLAMABAD: World Bank President Ajay Banga is scheduled to visit Pakistan from January 31 to February 4, 2026, during which he will hold high-level meetings on reforms, the economy, and Pakistan’s water-related concerns with India in the context of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi has unilaterally suspended, sources said.

According to officials in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the objective of the visit is to engage with key federal and provincial government stakeholders, interact with beneficiaries of World Bank-funded projects, and meet the private sector. The visit aims to: (i) gain a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s economic, social, and governance landscape and identify opportunities for World Bank Group (WBG) support under the new Country Partnership Framework; (ii) consult key stakeholders on Pakistan’s development plans and priorities; and (iii) signal continued WBG support for Pakistan’s inclusive and sustainable growth.

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Given the importance of the visit, the Government of Pakistan has declared the World Bank President a state guest.

During his stay in Islamabad, the World Bank President, along with his team, will hold a joint meeting on February 2, 2026, with Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Rashid Mahmood Langrial.

The meeting, to be held at the Prime Minister’s House, will feature presentations on tax reforms and digitalisation of FBR processes, energy sector reforms (power and petroleum), and progress towards a cashless economy.

Sources said the World Bank President will also be briefed on recent developments related to the Indus Waters Treaty, including variations in water inflows and India’s construction of a new dam on the Chenab River. Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner will share detailed information on these issues with the relevant authorities.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026