Pakistan, World Bank review reform progress, growth and jobs operation

Mettis Global reported that officials from Pakistan and the World Bank held a review of their joint reform agenda on October 02, 2026. Talks ranged from a planned World Bank operation aimed at growth and employment to tax changes, capital market expansion, debt handling and the country's sovereign ratings. Both parties emphasised that the next step is turning proposals into action that can produce visible gains in output, investment and jobs.

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met a World Bank team led by Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, and he argued that practical steps improving the business climate should take priority. The bank outlined measures on investment rules, cutting regulatory hurdles, SME credit access and export finance through EXIM Bank of Pakistan. Discussions also covered the Prime Minister's Access to Finance initiative, including an insolvency framework, factoring law and SME financing rules.

The sectoral agenda included proposed interventions in pharmaceuticals, medical products and agriculture, such as better seed registration and deregulation of selected commodities. Tariff policy, including work on the automotive sector, along with GST harmonisation and provincial agricultural income and property tax reforms, was also reviewed. Skills development and formal overseas migration pathways rounded out the discussion.