Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the World Bank on Thursday for his support for Pakistan’s position on the Industrial Water Treaty, criticizing the “unilateral and illegal” actions of India which, according to him, undermine the historic agreement.
Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after the attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, India illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (iiojk), which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack but provided no evidence. Islamabad firmly denied allegations.
On April 23, India closed the border crossing of Wagah, revoked Pakistani visas and announced the suspension of the Industry Water Treaty. Pakistan condemned this decision as an “act of war” and responded by sealing the border of Wagah on its side.
During a meeting with Ousmane Dione, regional vice-president of the World Bank for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintain international law, to continue a peaceful dialogue and to promote regional prosperity.
The regional vice-president of the World Bank Ousmane Dione called Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/d3o0rau94e
– Government of Pakistan (@govtofpakistan) July 24, 2025
The Prime Minister expressed his assessment for the long -standing partnership of the World Bank and described his support as aligned with the legitimate position of Pakistan on water rights under the treaty.
Shehbaz has also recognized the strategic role of the country’s partnership framework in support of the national priorities of Pakistan, in particular in the fields of energy, climate change, human development and governance reform.
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He thanked the bank for his timely help during the 2022 floods, which allowed Pakistan to launch emergency and emergency rehabilitation efforts for affected communities.
Dione has reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to extend collaboration with Pakistan and praised the government’s reform agenda aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and long -term sustainability.
The two parties expressed a shared determination to deepen cooperation in the coming years to accelerate development and improve livelihoods.
Earlier, the World Bank reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s economic stability at a separate meeting held on Wednesday between the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and Ousmane Dione at the Islamabad Ministry of Economic Affairs.
According to an official press release from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the bank appreciated the reform efforts and the progress of Pakistan as part of the country’s partnership.
The two parties discussed the ways to deepen cooperation in the critical sectors, emphasizing the guarantee of sustained recovery and long -term financial resilience.
