Mr. Rafaqat Ali, Secretary P&D Board, chaired a meeting with Ms. Clelia Kelliopi Helena Rontoyanni, Practice Manager (Institutions) at the World Bank Group, to review the ongoing collaboration on the PRIDE Program and coordinate next steps in Punjab’s reform agenda.
Both sides examined recent progress under the PRIDE Program, discussed Punjab’s fiscal and governance reform priorities and worked to align implementation with the Fiscal Pact signed between the federal and provincial governments. The discussion highlighted how the Punjab World Bank partnership can support practical measures to strengthen public financial management and institutional capacity.
The chair emphasised the urgent need for climate change investments to restore livelihoods affected by recent floods, stressing that development partners are vital to Punjab’s recovery and reform journey. Participants underlined that targeted climate finance and rehabilitation efforts are needed alongside fiscal reforms to protect vulnerable communities.
Senior officers who participated included MD PPRA Ms. Sahibzadi Wasimah Umer, Senior Chief RP Mr. Babar Bashir, Senior Chief ECA Mr. Waheed Asghar, and DG PITB Mr. Sajid Latif, each contributing to discussions on institutional arrangements and implementation priorities as the Punjab World Bank cooperation moves forward.
