World
Pakistan to Chair IMF and World Bank Boards in 2027 After 74 Years
Pakistan will assume the chairmanship of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in 2027, returning to the post for the first time since 1953, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Friday. Ahad Khan Cheema, the country’s Minister for Economic Affairs and governor to the World Bank, was named 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” and said the role would allow Islamabad to participate in global discussions on economic and development issues and promote constructive engagement among member countries.
At the plenary, Minister Cheema met WBG Vice President and Corporate Secretary Aradhana Kumar‑Capoor and outgoing Chair Carlos Carvallo Spalding to discuss the responsibilities of the position. The ministry added that Pakistan will seek to foster inclusive dialogue, amplify the perspectives of developing economies, and advance a more responsive multilateral development and financial system.
The IMF‑WBG annual meetings, held from October 12 to 18, attracted more than 15,000 participants from 191 countries. Pakistan is engaged with the IMF under a USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and a USD 1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Funds from the EFF are being used to meet balance‑of‑payments needs and support economic reforms, while the RSF provides longer‑term financial support to help the country mitigate climate‑related risks and improve resilience. Pakistan could receive around $1.2 billion from the IMF, pending clearance by the Fund’s Executive Board, after an agreement between IMF staff and Pakistani authorities on the latest reviews of both lending programmes.
Frequently asked questions
When will Pakistan chair the IMF and World Bank Boards?
Pakistan will chair the Boards of Governors of the IMF and World Bank Group in 2027.
Who was named the incoming chair of the IMF and World Bank Boards?
Ahad Khan Cheema, Pakistan’s Minister for Economic Affairs and governor to the World Bank, was named the incoming chair.
What IMF funding programs is Pakistan engaged with?
Pakistan is engaged with the IMF under a USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility and a USD 1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility.