BANGKOK, October 16: Pakistan has secured a key leadership role in global economic and development affairs, with Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Cheema nominated as the incoming chairman of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2027.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the announcement was made during the plenary session of the World Bank Group and IMF annual meetings in Bangkok.

Pakistan will assume the chairmanship of the two institutions’ Boards of Governors for the first time since 1953, providing the country with an opportunity to contribute more actively to international economic and development discussions.


Meetings With World Bank Officials

As part of the preparations for his upcoming role, Cheema received a briefing from the World Bank Group’s Corporate Secretariat on the responsibilities associated with the chairmanship.

He also met Aradhana Kumar Kapoor, Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the World Bank Group. The discussions focused on institutional support and coordination during Pakistan’s term as chair.

Cheema separately met outgoing chairman Carlos Carvalho Spalding and congratulated him on successfully completing his tenure. The two discussed the responsibilities of the position and priorities for the coming year.


Pakistan to Focus on Development Financing and Inclusive Growth

Cheema said Pakistan would work to strengthen the voice of developing countries in international decision-making.

He emphasized that ensuring effective and predictable development financing remained one of Pakistan’s key priorities.

The minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to improving coordination among multilateral development institutions and mobilizing private investment to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

He said Pakistan would work closely with the World Bank Group, the IMF and member countries to advance an effective multilateral development and financial system.