Pakistan has sought continued financial support from the World Bank Group (WBG) for its proposed National Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development Program, alongside funding for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project. The request reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen digital development, modernise infrastructure and encourage sustainable economic growth.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Pakistan’s Governor to the World Bank Group, Ahad Khan Cheema, raised the matter during a meeting with WBG President Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the 2026 WBG-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. According to an official statement issued on Friday, the discussions focused on financing priorities and Pakistan’s broader economic development objectives.
The proposed National Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development Program is an important part of Pakistan’s efforts to explore how AI can support productivity, improve public services and create new economic opportunities. Continued World Bank financing could help advance initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s digital capabilities and integrating emerging technologies into economic development.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing industries worldwide, from manufacturing and agriculture to education, healthcare and financial services. For Pakistan, investment in AI could help businesses improve efficiency, develop digital products and compete in international markets, provided that suitable infrastructure, skills and policies are in place.
The discussions also covered the ML-1 railway project, a major railway infrastructure initiative intended to improve Pakistan’s rail network. Modernising railway infrastructure can support more efficient passenger and freight transportation, strengthen trade connectivity and potentially reduce logistical challenges for businesses.
Pakistan’s request for continued financing comes as the government seeks to translate macroeconomic stabilisation into sustainable, investment-led growth. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to encourage productive employment, improve livelihoods and build on the outcomes of WBG President Ajay Banga’s visit to Pakistan in February 2026.
The focus on investment-led growth highlights the importance of moving beyond short-term economic stability towards measures that support businesses, create employment and improve household incomes. Investment in digital technology and transport infrastructure could contribute to these objectives if projects are implemented effectively and deliver measurable results.
Cheema also acknowledged improvements in the World Bank Group’s operational efficiency. According to the statement, the average time required to prepare projects had declined from 19 months to nine months, potentially allowing development initiatives to move forward more quickly.
He also recognised the WBG’s reported achievement of mobilising a record $112 billion in private capital during fiscal year 2026. Mobilising private investment is an important part of financing development, particularly as governments seek additional resources for infrastructure, technology and employment-generating projects.
For Pakistan, access to development financing could help support projects that require substantial investment and long implementation periods. However, the effectiveness of such support will depend on project preparation, financial arrangements, institutional capacity and the ability to achieve clear development outcomes.
The meeting demonstrates Pakistan’s continued engagement with international development partners as it pursues priorities in artificial intelligence, railway infrastructure and economic growth. While the discussions indicate a request for continued World Bank support, the available statement does not confirm final approval of new funding for either the AI programme or the ML-1 project.
Further details about financing commitments, project timelines and implementation plans would be needed to determine the scale and timing of the proposed support.
Pakistan’s push for World Bank financing for its National Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development Program signals the growing importance of digital technology in the country’s development agenda. If supported by effective planning, workforce training and sustained investment, AI initiatives could help expand digital capabilities while complementing broader efforts to improve infrastructure, productivity and employment.