PM Shehbaz Meets WBG President Ajay Banga to Boost Pakistan Reforms

Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, called on Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today during his first official visit to Pakistan as head of the World Bank Group.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Mr. Banga and appreciated the World Bank Group’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan, particularly its continued support for national development priorities under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Mr. Banga’s leadership in steering the World Bank Group towards a more impactful and results-driven development approach. Both sides emphasized the need to fast-track implementation, strengthen oversight, and remove bottlenecks to ensure timely delivery of CPF-aligned projects.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structural reforms aimed at achieving job-rich growth, improving governance, and strengthening investor confidence.

Mr. Ajay Banga expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality, praised Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts, and reiterated the World Bank Group’s commitment to deeper engagement through a “One World Bank Group” approach. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing private sector resources, alongside close coordination with development partners, to support Pakistan’s reform agenda.

Visit to Khushab and Cultural Engagement

During his visit, Mr. Banga also travelled to Khushab, where he visited his ancestral home and the Gurudwara Singh Sabha, paying respects and engaging with the local community. He received a warm welcome from residents and government officials, with arrangements facilitated by the Punjab government.

The visit was acknowledged publicly by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who appreciated the hospitality extended during Mr. Banga’s stay.