Pakistan invites OPEC Fund to deepen engagement in key sectors

April 17, 2026 (MLN):  Pakistan and the OPEC Fund for International Development agreed to further deepen cooperation on development financing, investment expansion, and priority infrastructure support during a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, Chief Executive Officer of the OPEC Fund, in Washington, where both sides reviewed ongoing financial engagement and explored new avenues for expanded cooperation, according to a press release issued.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister appreciated the OPEC Fund’s increasing engagement with Pakistan and noted satisfaction with recently approved and ongoing financing operations.

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s strong track record as a borrower and the depth of the existing partnership.

Senator Aurangzeb expressed interest in fully utilizing the OPEC Fund’s three financing windows, including sovereign lending, private sector financing, and Islamic finance instruments.

He encouraged the Fund to further expand its engagement with Pakistan’s private sector and showed interest in exploring policy-based budget support operations.

Highlighting national priorities, the Finance Minister stressed that water infrastructure projects have gained critical importance in light of regional challenges, describing them as a matter of national security.

He further noted that the OPEC Fund’s focus areas climate action, food security, and digital transformation closely align with Pakistan’s development priorities.

Senator Aurangzeb extended an invitation to Dr. Alkhalifa to visit Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The meeting concluded with appreciation for the OPEC Fund’s invitation for Pakistan to participate in an upcoming event in Vienna.

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