Pakistan reviews $1.2bn IFAD portfolio to boost rural development

February 13, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan discussed ongoing and future rural development projects with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The discussions focused on food security, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and innovative financing for smallholder communities.

The country’s portfolio with IFAD now exceeds $1.2bn, covering projects across all provinces, including some of the most remote regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and South Punjab, according to the press release.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, led Pakistan’s delegation at the 49th Session of the Governing Council of IFAD in Rome.

During a bilateral meeting with IFAD President Alvaro Lario, the Minister reviewed the progress of IFAD-funded projects in Pakistan, future areas of cooperation, and Pakistan’s continued engagement in IFAD replenishment cycles.

He extended a formal invitation to President Lario to undertake an official visit to Islamabad.

President Lario recalled the signing of the bilateral Home Country Agreement in July 2023 and the subsequent establishment of IFAD’s Home Country Office in Islamabad.

He appreciated Pakistan’s historic role as a founding member of IFAD and expressed interest in visiting Pakistan to further deepen collaboration.

The meeting reviewed the steady implementation of projects under Pakistan’s current country strategy, which focuses on rural development, poverty reduction, food security, and climate resilience.

Minister Hussain highlighted that IFAD-supported initiatives are reaching remote and underserved areas and are particularly effective in empowering rural women, strengthening smallholder farming systems, and promoting climate-smart agriculture.

During the visit, Minister Hussain also welcomed the forthcoming visit of IFAD Executive Vice President Donal Brown, expected in March.

Brown recalled his previous interactions with Pakistani leadership and expressed his intention to continue close coordination with Pakistan on future development initiatives.

At a high-level roundtable marking ten years of the International Day of Family Remittances, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s position among leading remittance-receiving countries.

He emphasized government efforts to promote financial inclusion and channel remittances into productive sectors, including agriculture and small and medium enterprises.

Speaking at a thematic session on investing in young entrepreneurs, he underscored the importance of connecting farmers to markets and creating opportunities for rural youth through value chain development and agribusiness support.

Pakistan’s partnership with IFAD dates back to 1978. Over the decades, IFAD has financed 26 projects and programmes in the country with a cumulative portfolio exceeding $2.3bn, including government and co-financing contributions.

Currently, four major projects are under implementation, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting women through asset transfers and livelihood schemes.

They also focus on expanding irrigation and market access in mountainous areas, and graduating vulnerable households out of poverty through integrated support programmes.

Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling obligations under IFAD replenishments and designing new-generation initiatives, including proposed climate-focused interventions, in close coordination with the Fund.

The visit also shows Pakistan’s continued engagement with Rome-based UN agencies, including IFAD, FAO, and WFP.

It demonstrates the government’s resolve to advance inclusive rural growth, ensure food security, and build resilience against climate and economic challenges.

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