Aurangzeb opens spring meetings engagements with World Bank’s Bjerde

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb began his engagements at the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026 on Monday with a meeting in Washington with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank Group, marking the start of Pakistan’s multilateral discussions at the annual gathering.

The meeting focused on Pakistan’s current economic situation, including the first and second-order effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on external stability and vulnerable populations.

Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening social protection systems to cushion vulnerable segments of society from external shocks, with emphasis on improving resilience mechanisms.

The discussion also reviewed progress under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). While acknowledging improvements in key areas, both sides agreed that continued efforts are required to fully meet the framework’s objectives.

Aurangzeb expressed appreciation for the World Bank Group’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s reform and development agenda and highlighted the need for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments to address long-term demographic challenges.

He also requested support from the World Bank Group in developing a comprehensive master plan aimed at managing demographic pressures and strengthening long-term planning capacity.

The engagement comes as Pakistan continues its participation in the Spring Meetings, where officials are expected to hold wider consultations on reform implementation, social protection, and economic resilience.