ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s recent economic revival is being hailed as a “globally recognised model” of reform, according to Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank. Speaking in Islamabad, Bjerde credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership with “turning the impossible into possible.”
Bjerde, who is visiting Pakistan with a senior World Bank delegation, made these remarks during a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Sharif. She commended his administration’s dedication to sustainable policy-making, building political consensus, and advancing a development agenda that prioritizes the people’s needs.
“Thanks to Prime Minister Sharif’s remarkable leadership, the Country Partnership Framework is now being recognised globally as the ‘Pakistan Model,’” Bjerde said. “We are hopeful that his focus on practical implementation will ensure the framework’s continued success. This is more than just policy – it’s performance.”
In a political environment often characterized by discord, Bjerde noted Sharif’s unique ability to bring stakeholders together in pursuit of national progress. She described the World Bank’s partnership with Pakistan as not only significant but exemplary.
Prime Minister Sharif warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s ongoing support. “We are thankful for the Country Partnership, which is expected to generate over $20 billion in development investment,” he said, emphasizing the government’s resolve to ensure these funds translate into real improvements for the public.
Reflecting on the devastating 2022 floods, Sharif highlighted the World Bank’s swift response. “Millions of lives and livelihoods were upended, but the World Bank stood by us during one of our darkest times,” he said.
Following the meeting, Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank’s long-standing commitment to Pakistan’s development and praised Sharif’s role in deepening that relationship. “The World Bank highly values our historic partnership with the Government of Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership has helped transform it into a global example.”
Also in attendance were World Bank Country Director Najy Binhassine, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Cheema, and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, PM’s Advisor Dr. Tauqir Shah, Senator Sherry Rehman, MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah, and other senior officials.
