Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formation of a high-level committee to examine the World Bank report titled Strengthening Fiscal Federalism in Pakistan. The committee will consult provincial governments and other stakeholders before recommending measures considered practical and beneficial for the country.
The directive was issued during a meeting in Islamabad with a World Bank delegation led by Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation presented the report and briefed the prime minister on its key findings and policy recommendations.
The World Bank report reviews Pakistan’s fiscal federalism following the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. It evaluates revenue generation, public expenditure, federal-provincial fiscal relations, institutional coordination, and the use of public resources.
The delegation also proposed several policy recommendations aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, improving resource utilisation, enhancing public service delivery, and promoting effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments. The recommendations are intended to support sustainable governance and efficient public finance management.
Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the World Bank’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan and acknowledged its contribution to the country’s social and economic development. He thanked the institution for its continued support in Pakistan’s development and reform efforts.
The prime minister said the government remains committed to implementing reforms that will stabilise the economy and promote sustainable growth. He emphasised that Pakistan’s constitutional federal system, provincial autonomy, and continuous consultation between the federation and provinces are essential for national stability and development.
Shehbaz Sharif directed the newly formed committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the World Bank report while respecting Pakistan’s constitutional framework. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser Dr Syed Taqdir Shah, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, and senior government officials.
