WB urges Pakistan to shift from stability to growth

The World Bank has urged Pakistan to use the stability achieved through recent reforms as a platform for lasting, investment-led growth, Dawn reported on October 24. At a Friday meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, World Bank officials discussed ways to expand investment and private-sector activity, alongside the country’s economic reform agenda.

Regional Practice Director Sandeep Mahajan praised Pakistan’s handling of external pressures and the government’s response to a recent crisis linked to regional conflict. Aurangzeb said policy continuity, fiscal discipline and a stronger investment climate were needed to support durable growth, while noting Pakistan’s return to international capital markets through a recent $3 billion Eurobond issuance. The discussion also addressed privatisation, infrastructure financing, regulatory frameworks and job creation.