In a strong endorsement of Pakistan’s economic trajectory, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde praised the country’s reform efforts, calling them a “globally recognised model” during a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday.
Read More: PM’s Aide Urges Trust in PM for Auto Industry Tariff Reforms
Leading a senior World Bank delegation, Bjerde highlighted Pakistan’s economic turnaround and the Sharif administration’s commitment to sustainable growth, inclusive policy-making, and practical implementation.
“Due to the Prime Minister Sharif’s remarkable and effective leadership, the Country Partnership Framework is now being referred to globally as the ‘Pakistan Model’,” said Bjerde.
“We’re hopeful that his focus on practical implementation will ensure the framework’s continued success. This is more than just policy – it’s performance,” she added.
In a political environment often marked by fragmentation, Bjerde emphasized Sharif’s ability to bring together stakeholders under a unified national development agenda. She described the World Bank’s relationship with Pakistan as not only important but exemplary in the realm of global development cooperation.
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the remarks and acknowledged the World Bank’s critical role in supporting Pakistan’s progress.
“We are grateful to the World Bank for the Country Partnership, which will result in over \$20 billion in development investment in Pakistan,” he said. “Our focus is to ensure that every dollar contributes to real, meaningful change in the lives of our people.”
Reflecting on the 2022 floods that devastated large parts of the country, Sharif expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s timely support.
“Millions were affected, livelihoods were lost, and properties destroyed – but the World Bank stood by us,” he said.
Bjerde concluded the meeting by reaffirming the World Bank’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan.
“The World Bank highly values the historic partnership between the Government of Pakistan and the World Bank Group,” she noted. “We’re especially thankful for the Prime Minister’s effective role in strengthening that partnership and making it a model for others.”
Also in attendance were World Bank Country Director Najy Binhassine, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Cheema, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Prime Minister’s Advisor Dr Tauqir Shah, Senator Sherry Rehman, MNA Dr Nafisa Shah, and other senior officials.
The recognition of Pakistan’s reform path as a global reference point underscores growing international confidence in the country’s economic stability and leadership.
