BANGKOK: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s economic stabilization, progress under the IMF programme and renewed access to international capital markets. He appreciated the Fund’s willingness to expand trade and project financing support for Pakistan.
Discussions covered M6 motorway financing, including the approved first tranche, the pending loan agreement and subsequent tranches. The discussions also identified the ML-1 railway modernization and power transmission infrastructure as key priorities.
Both sides emphasized faster approvals and stronger coordination to ensure timely project delivery, while also discussing regional peace and stability.
The finance minister thanked Dr. Alkhalifa for the invitation to visit the Fund, with the possibility of signing the project agreement during the visit.
FinMin discusses strengthening Borrowers’ Forum
Minister for Finance also met UN Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina J. Mohammed and discussed strengthening the Borrowers’ Forum through peer learning, continuity in governance and an effective virtual Secretariat. He emphasized a stronger Global South voice and more responsive international financial institutions.
Both sides stressed adequate financing for the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction, social protection and decent jobs. Discussions also covered climate financing gaps, simpler access to funds and stronger capacity to prepare bankable projects.
The finance minister further highlighted local currency financing to reduce exchange rate risks, alongside accountable domestic policymaking. He thanked Ms. Amina for appreciating Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the recent US–Iran crisis.
