PM Shehbaz lauds outgoing World Bank country director’s services

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met outgoing World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine and commended his contributions to strengthening Pakistan’s partnership with the global lender.

During the meeting, the premier acknowledged Benhassine’s “round-the-clock efforts” during the 2022 floods, stating his work for rehabilitation would be “remembered fondly” by Pakistani authorities.

“Pakistan’s economic stabilisation and the beginning of its growth journey are the result of our economic team’s hard work – and partners like you,” PM Shehbaz said, according to an official statement.

He credited Benhassine for playing a “vital role” in consolidating Pakistan-World Bank collaboration and expressed best wishes for his future.

The meeting comes as Pakistan implements reforms under its $3 billion IMF programme, with the World Bank being a key development partner in energy, climate resilience and social protection initiatives.

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

Earlier in May, the World Bank 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 PM 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.