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Pakistan is gearing up for a pivotal visit from World Bank President Ajay Banga, scheduled from January 31 to February 4, 2026. This high-profile visit is packed with a robust agenda focusing on critical areas for Pakistan’s future: economic reforms, the national economy, and crucially, Pakistan’s water-related concerns, particularly in the context of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Sources indicate that President Banga’s itinerary includes high-level discussions on reforms, economic strategies, and a significant focus on Pakistan’s water issues with India, especially concerning the Indus Waters Treaty – a treaty that New Delhi has unilaterally suspended. This makes the water component of his visit particularly sensitive and important.
Understanding the Visit’s Core Objectives
Officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs highlight that the primary goal of President Banga’s visit is multifaceted:
- Engaging Key Stakeholders: Extensive interaction with federal and provincial government officials, beneficiaries of World Bank-funded projects, and key players in the private sector.
- Deepening Understanding: Gaining a comprehensive insight into Pakistan’s current economic, social, and governance landscape to identify new avenues for World Bank Group (WBG) support under the forthcoming Country Partnership Framework.
- Strategic Consultation: Consulting with essential stakeholders on Pakistan’s development plans and priorities to ensure alignment and effectiveness.
- Signaling Continued Support: Reaffirming the WBG’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth.
Recognizing the immense importance of this visit, the Government of Pakistan has extended the rare honor of declaring the World Bank President a state guest.
High-Stakes Meetings in Islamabad
A major highlight of President Banga’s stay will be a joint meeting on February 2, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s House. He, along with his team, will convene with top Pakistani officials including Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Rashid Mahmood Langrial.
This crucial gathering will feature detailed presentations on vital national initiatives, including:
- Tax Reforms and FBR Digitalisation: Progress and plans for modernizing Pakistan’s tax system.
- Energy Sector Reforms: Updates and strategies for both power and petroleum sectors.
- Path to a Cashless Economy: Steps being taken to digitize transactions and promote financial inclusion.
The Indus Waters Treaty: A Critical Conversation
Beyond economic and reform discussions, sources reveal that President Banga will receive an in-depth briefing on recent developments concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. This includes critical information on variations in water inflows and, significantly, India’s ongoing construction of a new dam on the Chenab River. Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner is slated to provide comprehensive details on these pressing issues to the relevant authorities, underscoring the severity of the situation for Pakistan’s water security.
President Banga’s visit is more than just a routine diplomatic engagement; it represents a critical juncture for Pakistan to secure continued international support, address pressing economic challenges, and navigate complex regional water disputes. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly shape Pakistan’s development trajectory in the years to come.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Source: Original Article
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