Pakistan’s economic stability depends on inclusive, consistent reforms: World Bank

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has urged Pakistan to maintain consistency in its reform process, saying that policy continuity is key to stabilising the economy and encouraging private sector-led growth.

During a two-day visit to the country, Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials in Islamabad. The visit focused on deepening cooperation under a new ten-year partnership framework between Pakistan and the World Bank Group.

Speaking after the meetings, Bjerde said that long-term economic recovery depends on reforms that prioritise investment in people, improve public services, and build resilience against climate and financial shocks.

“Pakistan’s road to stability and poverty reduction will require steady reforms that support human capital, energy sustainability, and private enterprise,” she said.

According to a government press release, the talks also covered coordination between federal and provincial authorities to make reforms more effective across the board. Both sides discussed the need to address structural challenges through a shared agenda, particularly in areas such as digital infrastructure, fiscal management, and energy.

During her visit, Bjerde travelled to Shaheed Benazirabad district in Sindh, where she visited communities supported by the World Bank-funded Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project. She was joined by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho.

The delegation was hosted by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, who is also a member of the National Assembly. Bjerde met with local residents affected by the 2022 floods and visited a basic health unit supported under the National Health Support Programme, where she spoke to medical staff and female patients.

She also held discussions with the Sindh cabinet on current and upcoming development projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

The World Bank said its partnership with Pakistan will continue to focus on inclusive growth, climate resilience, and support for communities facing the greatest development challenges.

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