Islamabad: The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistan in addressing its economic challenges and achieving sustainable development goals. This assurance was made during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine at the Finance Division in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The discussions focused on the continued partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank, particularly in implementing fiscal reforms, promoting sustainable economic growth, and optimizing resource management.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with the World Bank in advancing its reform agenda. He expressed gratitude for the financial and technical assistance provided by the Bank in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and social services.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal discipline, sustainable economic growth, and equitable resource utilization. He also emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive tax policy framework to enhance revenue mobilization, improve compliance, and promote fair taxation.
The World Bank team offered technical assistance to modernize Pakistan’s budget-making process, enhance transparency, and improve accountability in public financial management. The discussions also included strategies for effective debt management, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and reducing economic risks.
Key topics such as GST harmonization and reforms in the Agricultural Income Tax Regime were also addressed in coordination with provincial governments.
Benhassine praised the government’s reform efforts and assured the World Bank’s ongoing support to align with Pakistan’s development priorities. He commended Pakistan’s focus on critical areas such as taxation, fiscal policy, and public financial management to drive long-term economic stability.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepening the partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank, fostering a robust foundation for sustainable development and economic growth.
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