Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has held a series of high-level meetings at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, focusing on shielding Pakistan’s economy from the severe global energy shock caused by the US-Iran war.
Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for United States to participate in World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings, scheduled to commence in Washington from Monday@Financegovpk #News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/T1cZ7vnP6n
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 11, 2026
The conflict has triggered one of the most serious disruptions to global energy markets in modern history, with oil prices surging around 50%, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz badly affected, and supply chains for gas and fertiliser under severe strain. The IMF has warned that developing countries, especially energy importers like Pakistan, could face heavy pressure and may need $20–50 billion in emergency support.
During his meetings, Aurangzeb discussed reform continuity, debt sustainability, social protection, and private-sector-led growth.
In talks with World Bank Managing Director (Operations) Anna Bjerde, the minister reviewed Pakistan’s economic outlook and the impact of the Middle East conflict. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen targeted social protection to protect vulnerable groups from rising energy and food costs. Aurangzeb also sought World Bank support for a comprehensive national master plan to address Pakistan’s demographic challenges.
He met World Bank Vice President Jorge Familiar Calderón to discuss debt management, capital market development, and financial innovation. The minister highlighted Pakistan’s strategy of diversifying financing through sukuk, ESG-linked instruments, and deepening domestic bond markets.
In a meeting with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop, Aurangzeb emphasised the need for greater private investment, particularly in agriculture, which is facing higher input and fertiliser costs due to the global energy crisis.
The minister also participated in a panel discussion at Harvard University on “Pakistan’s Economic Agenda: Stability, Reform and What Comes Next,” moderated by former State Bank Governor Dr Reza Baqir. The session featured prominent economists including Professor Atif Mian and Nobel Laureate Professor Daron Acemoglu.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, stressed the importance of strengthening Pakistan-US economic ties during the event.
As global institutions warn of prolonged economic disruption, Aurangzeb’s engagements reflect Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard macroeconomic stability and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
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