Aurangzeb stresses workforce upskilling as WB discusses human capital reforms

• Finance minister calls youth employability key to economic transformation, terming youthful population a significant opportunity and an important policy priority

• Talks focus on skills, health, education and social protection reforms as WB delegation shares global experience on tech-driven service delivery

• Cooperation under Country Partnership Framework discussed in detail with Pakistan invited to global Universal Health Coverage forum in Japan

 ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday underscored the importance of upskilling and reskilling Pakistan’s workforce to meet emerging economic needs and create pathways to higher-value employment opportunities.

“Strengthening employability, particularly among young people, will remain central to the government’s broader economic transformation agenda, as the country’s large and youthful population presents both a significant opportunity and an important policy priority,” Senator Aurangzeb said while talking to a World Bank (WB) delegation.

The delegation, led by World Bank Vice President for Human Development Ms Mamta Murthi, held discussions with the minister on strengthening cooperation in human capital development, with a focus on skills enhancement, improved health outcomes, education, social protection and technology-driven public service delivery, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.

Finance Minister, World Bank Discuss Human Capital Development, Skills, Health Outcomes and Technology-Led Service Delivery

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting at the Finance Division with a World Bank Group delegation led by Ms.… pic.twitter.com/ghcf3IE9o4

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) June 3, 2026

The talks centred on Pakistan’s human development agenda, including maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, early childhood development, education outcomes and population-related challenges.

Senator Aurangzeb stressed the need to prepare Pakistan’s workforce for a rapidly evolving global economy, while the World Bank delegation shared international experiences on technology-driven service delivery, healthcare financing and private sector participation.

The delegation included Ms Bolormaa Amgaabazar, Country Director for Pakistan; Ms Keiko Inoue, Regional Director for Human Development; Ms Sherin Varkey, Health Practice Manager; and Mr Simon Andrews, IFC Director, according to the press release issued by the Finance Ministry.

On the occasion, the minister appreciated the World Bank Group’s continued partnership with Pakistan and acknowledged its support for the country’s development and reform priorities.

He noted that while Pakistan had made important progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, the government’s focus had increasingly shifted towards improving social and human development outcomes through targeted investments in health, education, skills development and social protection.

He emphasized the need to maintain a strong focus on measurable outcomes and effective implementation under the World Bank’s long-term Country Partnership Framework with Pakistan.

Senator Aurangzeb underscored the importance of improving human capital indicators, strengthening workforce participation, and equipping young people with skills aligned with evolving labour market requirements.

He further stressed that sustained economic growth and competitiveness would require continued investment in people, alongside reforms aimed at improving productivity, service delivery and employment generation.

 

Sustained progress in key human capital indicators

On the occasion, Ms Mamta Murthi emphasised that long-term development outcomes would depend on sustained progress in key human capital indicators, particularly child nutrition, reduction in stunting, foundational learning, and access to quality healthcare and education services.

She noted that the World Bank’s engagement was focused on supporting measurable outcomes and strengthening service delivery systems to ensure that essential interventions reach mothers and children effectively across the country.

The meeting also discussed opportunities to strengthen primary healthcare systems and expand access to essential services for mothers and children.

Participants exchanged views on the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in healthcare, education and workforce development.

The meeting further explored opportunities for broader collaboration between the government, the World Bank Group and the private sector in support of Pakistan’s human capital objectives.

Ms Murthi also invited Pakistan to participate in an upcoming global forum on Universal Health Coverage to be held in Japan later this year.

She noted that the forum is a collaborative initiative supported by the Government of Japan and jointly facilitated by the World Bank Group and WHO to advance progress towards universal health coverage.