PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi met with President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, in Islamabad, where detailed and constructive discussions were held on strengthening cooperation in key sectors including health, education and skills development, minerals, energy, and climate resilience.
The meeting also reviewed the province’s development priorities, ongoing reform initiatives, and prospects for future collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM stated that the KP government places high value on its partnership with the World Bank, acknowledging the institution’s continued support in advancing the province’s socio-economic development.
He emphasized that health and education remain the foremost priorities of the provincial government, with sustained investments being made to ensure the delivery of quality services at the grassroots level.
Sohail Afridi informed the World Bank President that the provincial government is undertaking comprehensive reforms to strengthen the primary healthcare system, with a focus on improving accessibility and service delivery.
He shared that the government is set to launch the Ehsaas Maa Programme in KP, under which comprehensive care for mother and child will be ensured from pregnancy through childbirth. He added that families will receive additional financial assistance for three months in the event of the birth of a girl child.
The CM further stated that universal health coverage is being expanded to cover 100 percent of the province’s population, ensuring that no citizen is deprived of essential medical care.
The CM highlighted that KP has suffered significant losses due to natural disasters, making investment in climate resilience a critical priority for the provincial government.
Referring to the vision of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, he stated that in the minerals sector, the interests of local communities are being given first priority, with a focus on utilizing the sector as a driver of sustainable and inclusive development.
He also noted that the provincial government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency, while multiple projects are underway to bring barren lands in the southern districts under cultivation.
The meeting was also attended by Provincial Advisor for Finance Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and other relevant officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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