Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for deepening Pakistan’s collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in strategic sectors, including railways, public transport, and minerals, describing them as vital for the country’s economic revival.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda, who led a delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office. Welcoming the delegation, Shehbaz praised ADB as a “trusted development partner” that has supported Pakistan’s growth over decades.
He also highlighted recent reforms undertaken by his government, including measures to broaden tax revenues, restructuring the energy sector, fiscal stabilisation, rationalisation of targeted subsidies, strengthening social protection, and efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
Speaking at the meeting, Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan, noting the country’s status as a founding member of the Bank. He commended the government’s reform agenda and reiterated ADB’s support for infrastructure development, climate resilience, and institutional strengthening.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior officials.
