Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the World Bank on Thursday for his support for Pakistan’s position on the Indo’s Waters Treaty, criticizing the “unilateral and illegal” actions of India that the historical agreement said.
The tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, India illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (Iiojk), which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, but did not provide evidence. Islamabad strongly denied accusations.
On April 23, India closed the Wagah’s border crossing, revoked the Pakistani visas and announced the suspension of the Indo Water Treaty. Pakistan condemned the movement as an “act of war” and replied by sealing Wagah’s border from his side.
In a meeting with Ousmane Done, regional vice president of the World Bank for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to defend international law, seek a peaceful dialogue and promote regional prosperity.
The regional vice president of the World Bank Ousmane Done asked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/d3o0rau94e
– Pakistan government (@Govtofpakistan) July 24, 2025
The prime minister expressed his appreciation for the World Bank’s Long Data Association and described his support aligned with Pakistan’s legal position on water rights under the treaty.
Shehbaz also recognized the strategic role of the country’s association framework to support the national priorities of Pakistan, particularly in the areas of energy, climate change, human development and governance reform.
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He thanked the Bank for its timely assistance during the floods of 2022, which allowed Pakistan to launch relief efforts and emergency rehabilitation for the affected communities.
Done reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to expand collaboration with Pakistan and praised the government reform agenda aimed at guaranteeing macroeconomic stability and long -term sustainability.
Both parties expressed a shared resolution to deepen cooperation in the coming years to accelerate development and improve livelihoods.
Previously, the World Bank reaffirmed its support for the economic stability of Pakistan during a separate meeting held on Wednesday between the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Ahad Chema and Ousmane Dione in the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Islamabad.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Bank appreciated the reform and progress efforts of Pakistan under the country’s association framework.
Both parties discussed the ways to deepen cooperation in the critical sectors, with emphasis on guaranteeing sustained recovery and long -term financial resistance.
