The World Bank has announced a groundbreaking $20 billion commitment under its first-ever 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan. This historic initiative marks the largest financial commitment by the World Bank to Pakistan, aiming to address the nation’s pressing developmental challenges and pave the way for sustainable growth.
The CPF will focus on six key areas: reducing child stunting, improving education outcomes, enhancing climate resilience, transitioning to cleaner energy, increasing public resources for inclusive development, and boosting private investment. A robust monitoring and evaluation scorecard will track the progress of these initiatives.
Of the $20 billion pledged, nearly three-fourths will come through concessional loans under the International Development Association (IDA), while the remaining amount will be provided through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Additional funding will be supplemented by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The CPF has set ambitious targets, including:
Raising Pakistan’s tax revenue to over 15% of GDP. Adding 10 GW of renewable energy capacity. Delivering quality education to 12 million students. Providing healthcare access to 50 million people. Ensuring clean water and sanitation for 60 million individuals. Strengthening food security for 30 million people. Extending contraceptive access to 30 million women.
Improving climate resilience for 75 million people, focusing on vulnerabilities related to floods and other disasters.
A mid-term review in FY30 will assess the framework’s progress and determine whether it should extend to the full 10-year period. The implementation strategy includes rolling two-year business plans, annual updates, and the creation of a Pakistan Data and Monitoring & Evaluation Lab. This lab will particularly focus on measuring the CPF’s impact on gender-related outcomes.
The CPF aligns closely with Pakistan’s national development agenda, including the Planning Commission’s 5E Framework, provincial strategies, and contributions from civil society and the private sector. The framework seeks to leverage global expertise to address Pakistan’s critical development gaps effectively.
The World Bank’s Board of Directors is expected to formally approve the CPF in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Washington, DC.
Realizing the CPF’s ambitious goals could significantly reshape Pakistan’s developmental landscape, creating opportunities for sustainable growth, climate resilience, and social equity. This long-term partnership underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s journey toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
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