ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Sindh welcomed the World Bank delegation headed by Abdulhak Bedjaoqui at a reception hosted by Government of Sindh at Sindh House. Delegation was comprised of 17 esteemed members with eight (08) senior executive directors of World Bank Group from across the world.

Government of Sindh delegation was represented by Chief Minister Sindh, along with Chief Secretary Sindh, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Naasir Hussain Shah, other senior ministers and group of Secretaries headed by Chairman Planning and Development Board.

Chief Minister after warm welcome thanked WB for its long uninterrupted partnership with Govt of Sindh in achieving its development goals. Starting from early 2000s World Bank supported Govt of Sindh by partnering in projects in the field of Irrigation, Road infrastructure, Agriculture, Education and also financial assistance of budgetary support.

WB partnership was further rejuvenated after a detailed diagnostic report prepared by WB for Karachi city in year 2014-16, which resulted in Projects like KNIP, CLICK, SWEEP, KWSSIP and Karachi Mobility project (Yellow Line BRT).

Real test of partnership was after devastated floods of 2022 when WB stood shoulder to shoulder with Govt of Sindh in rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure across the province. This resulted in early approvals of Projects like SFERP (Roads and Irrigation sector), SWAT (agriculture), SELECT (Education), SPHF (Housing Reconstruction) and in the sector of Health and Social Protection.

WBG appreciated the outstanding professional approach of Province of Sindh headed by dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Sindh to resolve the issues of development in the entire province specially in the urban city of Karachi. Govt of Sindh also presented the future objectives and sought assistance of WBG for timely and early approvals of projects.

The impact of these WB-funded projects is evident in improved access to clean water, better irrigation services, upgraded urban transport, and stronger flood protection.

These developments have not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but have also contributed to economic growth and poverty reduction in Sindh. After detailed session the delegation was hosted with refreshment with special touch of cultural ambiance and light folk music.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 18 2025

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