Pakistan to chair World Bank, IMF Boards of Governors in 2027

Pakistan has been nominated to chair the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund for 2027, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Friday. According to a ministry statement, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, who serves as Pakistan's Governor to the World Bank Group, was formally announced as the incoming chair during the Plenary Session of the 2026 WBG–IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The ministry described the appointment as a historic milestone, noting that Pakistan returns to the chairmanship for the first time since 1953.

The Boards of Governors are the highest decision-making bodies of the two institutions, representing member countries and setting their broad direction. The ministry said the forthcoming chairmanship gives Pakistan an opportunity to contribute to global economic and development deliberations and to facilitate dialogue among member countries at what it called a critical juncture for the multilateral system.

Following the plenary, Cheema received a briefing from the World Bank Group Corporate Secretariat on the responsibilities of the chairmanship, according to the statement. He also met Aradhana Kumar-Capoor, Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the World Bank Group, to discuss institutional support and coordination during Pakistan's term.

The minister met Carlos Carvallo Spalding, Governor of the Central Bank of Paraguay and the outgoing chair, congratulating him on completing his tenure. The two exchanged views on the responsibilities of the office and priorities for the year ahead, the ministry said.

During the meetings, Cheema highlighted Pakistan's commitment to strengthening the voice of developing countries, promoting effective and predictable development financing, enhancing coordination among multilateral development institutions, and mobilising private capital for sustainable and inclusive growth. He reaffirmed Pakistan's intention to work closely with the World Bank Group, the IMF and member countries to foster constructive dialogue and contribute to a more responsive multilateral development and financial system, the statement said.