NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the World Bank’s historic $40 billion commitment to Pakistan under the new Country Partnership Framework (2026–2035) and vowed to implement it effectively with provincial governments.
On the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, he briefed World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on his government’s bold reform agenda, including resource mobilization, energy sector reforms, privatization, and climate resilience measures.
Sharif said these reforms have stabilized Pakistan’s economy, restored investor confidence, and fostered sustainable, inclusive growth.
He praised Banga’s leadership in transforming the World Bank into a faster, more efficient, and impactful development partner and lauded the Bank’s support during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods.
Banga welcomed Pakistan’s reform efforts and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to support the country’s development priorities. He highlighted the Bank’s readiness to back economic reforms and long-term climate resilience initiatives under the new CPF.
Both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation under the Country Partnership Framework and accelerate Pakistan’s development goals.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to act decisively to uphold human dignity, ensure accountability, and deliver justice to the Palestinian people’s suffering of “historic proportions, while emphasizing a two-State solution for peace in the Middle East.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar told the 15-member Council that “the time for words has passed; the time for action is now,” focusing on the situation in besieged Gaza.
The Council convened shortly after the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution on 22 September, which strengthened broad international support for the rights and sovereignty of a Palestinian state.
DPM/FM Ishaq Dar praised the recent recognitions of Palestine by numerous member states and noted that Pakistan had the honour of being among the first countries to recognize Palestine following its declaration of independence in 1988.
Also Read: Pakistan–China Gwadar–Africa Corridor officially launched
He stressed that “this positive momentum must continue with resolute determination, seriousness of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to achieving a just and lasting solution.” He added, “The people of Palestine face a crisis of historic proportions, and their suffering stains our collective conscience.”
