LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP): World Bank President Ajay Banga, accompanied by his delegation, called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, here on Monday.
During the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in health, education, housing, sanitation, climate resilience, and other sectors. The partnership between the World Bank and the Punjab government was also reviewed, with emphasis on ongoing projects in tourism, education, health, and skills development.
President Banga praised the Chief Minister’s welfare initiatives and described the province’s development programs as commendable. He assured continued support and investment for climate resilience, digital governance, and inclusive growth in Punjab.
The CM said the Punjab government valued the World Bank’s cooperation and emphasized that health and education were the provincial government’s top priorities, with substantial investments being made in these sectors. She said Punjab was committed to sustained partnership with the World Bank, promoting financial stability and practical business models.
The CM highlighted the “Connected Punjab Program” being developed with World Bank support and underscored the importance of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). She said the World Bank’s assistance would strengthen IT infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in the province. She also spoke about steps taken by the Punjab government to enhance digital payments, governance, and agricultural productivity, adding that digitalisation aimed to improve performance, transparency, and development across the province. Initiatives such as the IT City, global IT certifications, and e-procurement were cited as examples of improved governance systems.
CM Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the World Bank-supported irrigation reforms, the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program providing affordable housing, and social welfare schemes including the “Nigehban Package” and “Himmat Card” for deserving citizens.