Pakistan urges IsDB to turn $5.6bn envelope into project pipeline

Islamabad has pressed the Islamic Development Bank Group to turn about US$5.6 bn of indicative funding under its Member Country Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030 into well-prepared projects, with firm timelines for approvals, disbursements and delivery. According to Mettis Global, the matter came up when Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema held talks with IsDB Group Chairman Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser at the margins of the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. Cheema also pressed for more robust IsDB support for the ML-1 railway upgrade.

The minister applauded the bank's US$475 mn commitment toward the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, as well as ongoing polio eradication efforts. In his view, ML-1 is strategically significant for upgrading the rail network, strengthening links and lifting economic competitiveness. He also urged tighter teamwork with the Asian Development Bank and with other financing partners to speed up project preparation and implementation.

He further called for a joined-up approach across IsDB, ITFC, ICD, ICIEC and the IsDB Institute, aiming to expand work in infrastructure, energy transition, SMEs, export finance and public-private partnerships. ITFC has mobilised over US$1 bn in trade finance during FY2025-26, and Cheema asked for improved terms on upcoming facilities. Dr Al Jasser commended the government's ambitious development agenda and reaffirmed the group's commitment to helping Pakistan meet its development goals.