Aurangzeb meets global leaders on sidelines of WB-IMF Spring Meetings 2026

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a series of high-level meetings with international financial leaders on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026, focusing on economic challenges, investment, and reform priorities.

In a meeting with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the finance minister discussed the economic implications of the ongoing Middle East conflict. He noted that Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures to mitigate its impact.

Aurangzeb appreciated IFC’s continued support, particularly in mobilizing local currency financing, and called for enhanced collaboration to boost private sector investment, productivity, and job creation. He also sought IFC’s assistance in developing Pakistan’s capital markets and acknowledged its role in trade finance, while emphasizing cooperation with the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Agriculture to drive innovation and growth.

Separately, the finance minister met Jorge Familiar Calderón, Vice President of the World Bank Group, and congratulated him on his recent appointment. During the meeting, Aurangzeb highlighted the World Bank Treasury’s role in supporting developing countries through access to capital markets, financial innovation, and effective debt and risk management.

He outlined Pakistan’s diversified financing strategy, including the use of Sukuk and ESG-linked instruments, efforts to access new international markets, and measures to strengthen the domestic bond market. The minister also emphasized the need for technical assistance, advanced analytical tools, and specialized training for Pakistan’s Debt Management Office, adding that a focal person would be designated to coordinate joint initiatives with the World Bank.

In another key meeting, Aurangzeb met Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations) at the World Bank Group, where both sides reviewed Pakistan’s economic outlook and reform agenda.

Discussions focused on managing the direct and indirect impacts of the Middle East conflict, as well as strengthening social protection systems to safeguard vulnerable populations. Progress under the Country Partnership Framework was also reviewed, with both sides acknowledging advancements while stressing the need for sustained efforts to fully achieve its objectives.

Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic challenges, the finance minister underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments and sought the World Bank’s support in developing a comprehensive master plan.

The meetings reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong engagement with international financial institutions and its commitment to sustainable economic growth through structural reforms and private sector development.