ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema on Thursday stressed the need to translate the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s indicative $5.6 billion financing under the Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) into a concrete pipeline of well-prepared projects, with clear timelines for financing approvals, disbursements and implementation.
The minister was talking to Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, according to press release issued by Ministry of Economic Affairs .
The Minister appreciated IsDB’s US$475 million financing for the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and welcomed its continued support for Pakistan’s polio eradication program, including the recent approval of US$100 million for Phase V.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project for modernizing Pakistan’s railway network, strengthening connectivity and enhancing economic competitiveness, he sought enhanced IsDB support for the project and urged close coordination with the Asian Development Bank and other co-financiers to advance project preparation and expedite implementation.
To further strengthen development cooperation and mobilize trade and private capital, the Minister called for a coordinated, whole-of-Group approach involving IsDB, ITFC, ICD, ICIEC and the IsDB Institute to expand opportunities in export finance, SMEs, infrastructure, public-private partnerships and energy transition.
-He also highlighted the mobilization of over US$1 billion in trade financing through ITFC during FY2025-26 and sought more competitive terms for future facilities, reflecting Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic and credit profile.
On the occasion, Dr. Jasser commended the government of Pakistan for its ambitious Economic Development vision and affirmed IsDB Group’s commitment to contribute to the attainment of Pakistan’s development priorities.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of a strong, results-oriented partnership focused on transformational investments, effective implementation and measurable development outcomes.