Washington: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with the Managing Director of Operations of the World Bank Group, Anna Bjerde, to discuss Pakistan's economic outlook and reform agenda.

According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions centered on the country's economic challenges, including strategies to manage the ongoing conflict in the Middle East's impacts. Anna Bjerde expressed appreciation for the World Bank's support of Pakistan's reform and development agenda.

Both parties concurred on the necessity of strengthening social protection measures to shield vulnerable segments from external shocks. They also reviewed the progress under the Country Partnership Framework, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to achieve the framework's objectives fully.

The Finance Minister highlighted Pakistan's demographic challenges and underscored the importance of a coordinated approach between federal and provincial governments. He also requested the World Bank Group's assistance in developing a comprehensive master plan to address these challenges.