Pakistan, Gates Foundation discuss polio eradication funding, FBR digitisation

April 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the Gates Foundation  held wide-ranging discussions on polio eradication, tax reform, and digital financial inclusion, with the Finance Minister raising concerns over a potential disruption in polio vaccine financing beyond June–July and assuring that Pakistan would leverage its relationship with the Islamic Development Bank to help expedite additional support.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Dr. Kalpana Kochhar, President for Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C, according to a press release issued.

At the outset, the Finance Minister recalled his earlier engagement with Bill Gates on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, reaffirming the strong partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.

The Finance Minister affirmed that polio eradication remains a national priority requiring continued systemic support, and briefed Dr. Kochhar on Pakistan's ongoing efforts to transform the Federal Board of Revenue, with a focus on reducing revenue leakages and improving compliance.

He outlined three key verticals driving the digital transformation programme: digitisation and financial inclusion, government payments, and digital infrastructure, noting that the Prime Minister is personally chairing the programme and holding weekly review meetings.

On FBR reforms, the Finance Minister highlighted the introduction of a digital Compliance Risk Management system, AI-led production monitoring across various sectors, behavioural nudges through SMS, and bespoke training programmes for young FBR officers.

He emphasised that the government's overarching objective is to institutionalise reforms rather than rely on ad hoc measures.

Both sides agreed on the importance of continued learning and knowledge exchange as a cornerstone of the Pakistan–Gates Foundation partnership.

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