ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has committed $20 billion to Pakistan under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF), aimed at boosting the country’s economic growth and development.
The financial commitment is a testament to the successful efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in securing international support for Pakistan’s economic growth, noting that the joint efforts by the premier and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir have started producing results, state news agency APP reported while citing sources in the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The sources said $20 billion would be provided through the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
The CPF will focus on six key development areas, including reducing child stunting, mitigating climate change, improving learning outcomes, providing clean water, and promoting public resources and private investment for comprehensive development.
Additionally, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will also provide funding of $20 billion to support the CPF.
Specific goals include increasing tax revenue to over 15 per cent of GDP, adding 10 Gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, providing quality education to 12 million students, and delivering healthcare services to 50 million people.
The framework also aims at providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to 60 million people, strengthening food security for 30 million individuals, and increasing access to family planning services for 30 million women.
Additionally, the CPF includes objectives to address flood and disaster risks, benefiting 75 million people, the sources added.
It is worth mentioning that 19 out of 24 directors voted in favour of Pakistan while approving the 10-year Country Partnership Framework.
PM welcomes World Bank’s pledge
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the World Bank’s pledge of $20 billion under its first-ever 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan.
The prime minister, in a post on his X timeline, said that while focusing on six key areas, including child nutrition, quality education, clean energy, climate resilience, inclusive development, and private investment, CPF reflected Pakistan’s national priorities, as envisioned in Pakistan’s Home Grown Economic Transformation Plan.
We welcome the World Bank’s pledge of $20 billion under its 1️⃣st-ever 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan.
While focusing on six key areas, including child nutrition, quality education, clean energy, climate resilience, inclusive development, and private…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 15, 2025
He appreciated the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and other colleagues who worked day and night to strengthen Pakistan’s foundation for such transformative partnerships.
“CPF reflects the World Bank’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic resilience and potential. We look forward to strengthening our partnership as we align our efforts for creating lasting opportunities for our people,” he remarked.
