World Bank energy mission visits Pakistan for review

Five-day visit includes meetings with power, petroleum and privatisation officials, along with major energy institutions A World Bank energy mission, led by Moez Cherif, the Practice Manager for Energy in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region, is visiting Pakistan from November 9 to 13 to review ongoing energy-sector projects and hold discussions with senior government officials on the progress of its portfolio. The delegation will engage with officials from the power and petroleum divisions, the Privatisation Commission and other key institutions. According to a World Bank letter addressed to Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Humair Karim, the mission will also hold discussions with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The delegation's agenda includes meetings with the National Grid Company (NGC) and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in Lahore on November 10, followed by consultations with the federal power and petroleum secretaries in Islamabad on November 11. Discussions on energy efficiency and provincial energy development are also planned with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO). The mission will participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum on November 12 and hold meetings with officials from the Privatisation Commission and Economic Affairs Division. The visit marks Cherif's first trip to Pakistan since taking over as Practice Manager on July 1, 2026. The delegation is scheduled to depart Islamabad on November 13.