Faster reforms could triple Pakistan’s incomes by 2050, says World Bank

Pakistan could bring its incomes to three times current levels by 2050 if structural reforms are implemented more quickly, the World Bank Group said in its latest Pakistan Development Update, published on October 22. The report says the country can build on recent economic stabilisation to secure faster, lasting growth and create jobs.

GDP growth rose to 3.7 per cent in FY26 from 3.2pc in FY25, while the primary surplus reached 2.9pc of GDP. The World Bank said policy and institutional improvements could support annual growth of 6.2pc to 6.9pc, and put Pakistan on course to reach Vietnam’s present income level by 2050. Priorities include business-environment improvements, tax-system changes, a smaller state role and wider access to finance; the report also cites power-tariff adjustments, trade liberalisation and PIA’s privatisation as measures already taken.