Pakistan to Chair IMF and World Bank Boards in 2027 After 74 Years
Pakistan IMF leadership role: Ahad Khan Cheema nominated to chair the IMF and World Bank boards in 2027.
Pakistan will chair the boards of governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2027, marking the country’s first time in the role since 1953, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Friday.
Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema has been nominated to lead both institutions’ boards for the year. The announcement came during the plenary session of the WBG and IMF annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to the ministry, the World Bank Group’s Corporate Secretariat briefed Cheema on the responsibilities of the chairmanship. He also met WBG Vice-President and Corporate Secretary Aradhana Kumar Capoor to discuss institutional support and coordination during Pakistan’s tenure.
Cheema also met outgoing chairman Carlos Carvalho Spalding and congratulated him on completing his term. Their discussions covered the responsibilities of the position and priorities for the coming year.
Pakistan to Advocate for Developing Countries
Cheema said Pakistan would work to strengthen the voice of developing countries and promote the effective and predictable provision of development finance.
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He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to improving coordination among multilateral development institutions and mobilising private investment to support sustainable and inclusive growth.
Pakistan would work with the World Bank Group, the IMF and member countries to strengthen the international development and financial system, he said.
Pakistan Engages Global Lenders in Bangkok
The annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group are taking place in Bangkok, where Pakistan’s delegation is led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The delegation is engaging with international lenders, investors and development partners on economic reforms, financing and investment opportunities.
During the meetings, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s fiscal deficit reaching a 22-year low, three consecutive years of primary surpluses and improved foreign exchange reserves. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structural reforms and sustainable, export-led growth.
Pakistan has called for reforms to the international financial system to make multilateral institutions more representative and responsive to the needs of developing countries.
Aurangzeb Meets World Bank President
Separately, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met World Bank Group President Ajay Banga at a dinner hosted by Thailand’s prime minister on the sidelines of the 2026 annual meetings.
Pakistan Television reported the meeting in a post on X, describing it as an opportunity for informal interaction alongside the high-level engagements taking place during the meetings.
Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the two institutions’ boards will provide an opportunity to engage with member countries on development financing, international financial cooperation and the priorities of developing economies.
