Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met World Bank President Ajay Banga, who called on her along with his delegation. The chief minister welcomed the World Bank president and the visiting delegation.
During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in the sectors of health, education, Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar (housing), Suthra Punjab and climate resilience. Ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Punjab were reviewed, and the overall partnership between the Punjab government and the World Bank was discussed in detail.
World Bank President Ajay Banga appreciated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s welfare initiatives and termed the ongoing tourism, education, health and skill development projects in Punjab commendable. The World Bank delegation assured continued support and investment for climate resilience, digital governance and inclusive development in the province.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Punjab government values its partnership with the World Bank. She emphasized that health and education remain top priorities of the provincial government, with significant investments being made in both sectors.
The chief minister said Punjab seeks sustained cooperation with the World Bank based on financial stability and viable business models. She noted that the Connected Punjab Programme is being developed with World Bank support and stressed the importance of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF).
She added that the World Bank’s collaboration would not only strengthen IT infrastructure in the province but also stimulate economic growth. The Punjab government has introduced various initiatives to improve digital payments, governance and agriculture, with digitalisation aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and development.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif further said that initiatives such as the Nawaz Sharif IT City, global IT certifications and e-procurement are improving governance systems. She highlighted improvements in irrigation systems with World Bank assistance, the provision of affordable housing through the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, and the launch of social welfare schemes such as the Nigehban Package and Himmat Card for deserving segments of society.