For the first time since 1953, Pakistan nominated to chair World Bank, IMF Boards of Governors in 2027

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that Pakistan has been picked to head the governing boards of the World Bank Group and the IMF in 2027, its first such turn since 1953. On Friday, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Ahad Khan Cheema has been named the incoming chair. The nomination was disclosed at a plenary gathering in Bangkok tied to the 2026 WBG-IMF Annual Meetings.

These boards sit at the top of decision-making in both institutions, bringing together member representatives who set broad policy direction. According to the ministry, the role will give Pakistan a platform in worldwide economic and development talks and help align member states. Cheema was then briefed by the World Bank Group's Corporate Secretariat about the duties attached to the office. Talks with WBG Vice President and Corporate Secretary Aradhana Kumar-Capoor also covered institutional arrangements for Pakistan's tenure.

Cheema separately met Carlos Carvallo Spalding, the Central Bank of Paraguay governor who is the outgoing chair, to talk through the post and goals for 2027. Pakistan's stated aims include wider representation for developing economies, more predictable development financing, better coordination among multilateral lenders and more private investment for sustainable, inclusive growth. The ministry added that Pakistan will work with the WBG, IMF and other members to strengthen cooperation during its chairmanship.