Islamabad, Jan 29: The World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, has warned that the $20 billion allocated under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) is insufficient to meet Pakistan’s ambitious 10-year development targets. He urged the government to accelerate economic reforms and attract private sector investment to bridge the funding gap.
During his visit to Pakistan, Raiser highlighted the country’s urgent need for financial resources, particularly in human capital development. He stressed that while the CPF is a positive step, Pakistan must create a more investor-friendly business environment. The World Bank, he said, is willing to collaborate with private investors and development partners to secure additional funds.
Najy Benhassine, the World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan, echoed these concerns, noting that the pledged funds amount to just 0.5% of the country’s GDP annually. Speaking at a Pakistan Business Council (PBC) seminar, he urged Pakistan to mobilize domestic resources and enhance international partnerships to sustain long-term growth. 
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A major area of concern remains Pakistan’s education sector. Benhassine revealed that the country spends only half of what comparable economies invest in education, leading to severe learning poverty. He pointed out that 75% of children cannot read a basic text, while one in three is out of school.
Beyond education, fiscal mismanagement and inefficiencies in the energy sector continue to hinder growth. High losses and rising electricity costs are major barriers to industrial expansion and exports. The CPF aims to tackle these structural issues through a comprehensive, long-term strategy.
Raiser emphasized that the success of the framework depends on strong federal-provincial collaboration, better revenue generation, and improved public spending efficiency. Meetings with key government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focused on policy reforms to ensure sustained economic progress.
