FM Aurangzeb discusses reform agenda, social protection with World Bank’s director

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, kicked off his engagements at the 2026 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings on Monday with a constructive discussion with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank Group.

According to a Finance Division statement, Aurangzeb expressed his appreciation for the World Bank Group’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s reform and development agenda.

During the meeting, both parties reviewed the current economic situation of Pakistan, particularly focusing on the first and second-order effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Both sides agreed on the critical importance of strengthening social protection measures to mitigate the impact of external shocks on Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations.

READ MORE: Aurangzeb arrives in Washington for World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026

The meeting also touched upon progress made under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). While both parties acknowledged progress in key areas, they emphasized the necessity of continued efforts to fully realize the objectives outlined in the framework.

The finance minister also underscored the need for a coordinated approach between federal and provincial governments to effectively tackle Pakistan’s demographic challenges.

To this end, he requested the World Bank Group’s assistance in developing a comprehensive Master Plan to address these pressing issues.

This collaborative effort is expected to further deepen Pakistan’s partnership with the World Bank, driving progress in critical sectors like social protection and economic development.