Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, announced the launch of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), outlining a long-term strategic collaboration between the World Bank and Pakistan. Describing it as both result-oriented and impact-driven, he emphasized its potential to benefit Pakistan, the fifth most densely populated country in the world.
Reception Hosted by World Bank
The announcement was made during a reception organized by the World Bank Group following the approval of the CPF by the World Bank Board. The event saw the participation of key figures, including Martin Raiser, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, Dr. Tauqeer Shah, Executive Director for Pakistan at the World Bank, senior officials from Pakistan’s Embassy, and representatives from the World Bank South Asia region.
Extensive Efforts Behind the CPF
Ambassador Sheikh acknowledged the significant groundwork and collective teamwork that went into formulating the CPF. He highlighted that the framework emerged from rigorous discussions between the World Bank and relevant government departments in Pakistan, ensuring that it effectively addresses the country’s development priorities.
Recognition from World Bank Leadership
In his welcome remarks, Martin Raiser, Vice President of the World Bank for South Asia, congratulated Ambassador Sheikh and commended the strong collaboration between the World Bank, the Government of Pakistan, and key financial partners like the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He emphasized that this partnership would play a crucial role in achieving Pakistan’s long-term economic and development goals.
Key Focus Areas of the CPF (2025-2034)
The CPF spans from 2025 to 2034 and focuses on six major areas with nine key objectives:
- Health & Nutrition: Reducing child stunting through improved healthcare and nutrition services.
- Education: Addressing learning poverty by ensuring access to quality education and foundational learning.
- Climate Resilience: Strengthening resilience against water scarcity, droughts, heatwaves, and natural disasters.
- Sustainable Energy: Promoting clean energy solutions and reducing air pollution.
- Economic Stability: Enhancing fiscal management, increasing public sector efficiency, and ensuring inclusive economic growth.
- Private Sector Growth: Encouraging private investments and boosting exports.
To support these objectives, the CPF also emphasizes digital transformation, economic stability, and strengthened social protection mechanisms.
Governance and Implementation of the CPF
The CPF will serve as the guiding framework for the World Bank Group’s engagement with Pakistan, involving entities like the International Development Association (IDA), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The framework was developed through extensive consultations with federal and provincial government representatives, academia, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.
Pakistan holds the distinction of being the first country to implement a long-term CPF, signifying a deeper and more trust-driven partnership with the World Bank. The framework is designed as a rolling 10-year plan, with annual reviews to assess progress and a mid-term review to evaluate achievements and make necessary adjustments.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Global Economic Engagement
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Sheikh expressed gratitude to the World Bank leadership for supporting the CPF’s approval. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving the framework’s objectives and praised the World Bank for successfully securing a $100 billion replenishment under IDA21. He also emphasized Pakistan’s determination to further expand its collaboration with the World Bank to drive sustainable development.
