Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
The World Bank’s (WB) Regional Vice President for South Asia, Hartwig Schafer acknowledged the Planning Commission’s (PC) reform programme and assured support in achieving the country’s development targets.
He expressed this resolve during a meeting with Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Mohammad Jahanzeb Khan. The two sides discussed the country’s development priorities and economic growth strategy.
Hartwig Schafer was accompanied by Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine, Programme Leader, Human Development World Bank, Lire Ersado, Programme Lead Sustainable Development, World Bank Abedalrazq F Khalil, Programme Leader, Equitable Growth, Finance & Institutes Shabih Ali Mohib, and Senior Economist Gondalo JVarela.
From Pakistani side, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission was accompanied by Muhammad Bareach, Secretary Planning Commission, Muhammad Ahmed Zubair, Chief Economist, Waqas Bin Najib, Member Energy, Dr. Shabnum Sarfraz, Member Social Sector & Development, Maj Gen (R) Dr. Zahir Shah, Member I&M, Asim Saeed Member, PSD&C and Chief Executive Officer CEO, P3A Board Malik Ahmed.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission briefed the delegation about the development progress in various sectors which includes energy, climate change, education, health, Agriculture and others. Currently, Pakistan’s growth rate is 4-4.5pc and it can easily go up to 6-7 pc, said the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, while highlighting the growth strategy of the country.
He informed the delegation that the private sector should be fully enabled to play a leading role.
Dr Jahanzeb urged the World Bank to continue support to the government of Pakistan in order to implement the projects. Key members of the Planning Commission also briefed the delegation about the progress in their respective sectors.
During the meeting Mr Hartwig Schafer appreciated the steps taken by the Planning Commission in various sectors especially in Agriculture and Gender. The Vice President underscored the need for structured reforms while appreciating the Planning Commission for approving key projects funded by the World Bank which includes National Health Support Programme, KP Rural (Road) Accessibility Project, Girl’s Results Agenda for Development of Education Sector in Punjab.
Similarly, the government’s development priorities for the next few years were also discussed in various sectors. Mr Schafer stressed the Planning Commission to focus on Coal and Hydro Power projects which will help Pakistan to meet its energy needs and would contribute toward increased growth rate essential for further progress of the country. He assured his full support in future to implement the projects funded by the World Bank.
