Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Mr. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister discussed the economic implications of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, stating that Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate policy measures to respond to emerging risks.

He appreciated IFC’s continued partnership with Pakistan, particularly its support in local currency financing. The Finance Minister stressed the need to further deepen IFC’s involvement in stimulating private sector investment, enhancing productivity, and creating employment opportunities.

Agriculture emerged as a key area of discussion, with Senator Aurangzeb highlighting the importance of closer cooperation between IFC and the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Agriculture to drive modernization, innovation, and long-term sector growth.

He also requested IFC’s support in strengthening Pakistan’s capital markets, drawing on best practices from other emerging economies. Additionally, he acknowledged IFC’s role in trade finance and its increasing relevance in the current global economic environment.

The Finance Minister welcomed IFC’s evolving approach to capital mobilization, particularly its shift toward an originate-and-distribute model designed to attract greater private capital participation.

The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and IFC, with both sides expressing commitment to advancing sustainable economic development through stronger private sector engagement.