BANGKOK: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has discussed financing arrangements for Pakistan’s M6 motorway project with Dr Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
During the meeting, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s economic stabilisation, progress under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and renewed access to international capital markets. He appreciated the OPEC Fund’s willingness to expand trade and project financing support for Pakistan.
According to the Finance Ministry, discussions focused on the M6 motorway project, including the approved first tranche, the pending loan agreement and subsequent financing tranches.
Both sides also discussed the modernisation of the ML-1 railway project and the development of power transmission infrastructure, identifying them as key priorities for Pakistan.
The finance minister and the OPEC Fund president emphasised the need to accelerate approvals and improve coordination to ensure timely implementation of development projects.
Aurangzeb thanked Dr Alkhalifa for inviting him to visit the OPEC Fund, with the possibility of signing the project agreement during the visit.
The discussions form part of Pakistan’s efforts to secure international financing for major infrastructure projects and strengthen cooperation with development partners.
Aurangzeb discusses strengthening Borrowers’ Forum
Separately, the finance minister met United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed to discuss strengthening the Borrowers’ Forum and improving coordination among borrowing countries.
The discussions focused on peer learning, continuity in governance and establishing an effective virtual secretariat to support the forum’s activities. Aurangzeb stressed the importance of amplifying the voice of the Global South and making international financial institutions more responsive to developing countries’ needs.
Both sides underscored the importance of securing adequate financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reduce poverty, strengthen social protection and create decent employment opportunities.
Climate financing was another key topic, with discussions highlighting existing funding gaps, the need to simplify access to financial resources and the importance of building countries’ capacity to prepare bankable development projects.
Aurangzeb also emphasised local-currency financing as a way to reduce exposure to exchange-rate risks, alongside the importance of accountable domestic policymaking.
During the meeting, the UN deputy secretary-general appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts during the recent US-Iran crisis, according to the Finance Ministry’s statement.
The meetings reflect Pakistan’s broader engagement with international financial institutions and development partners to mobilise funding, advance infrastructure development and address economic challenges.
The government is seeking to improve project financing and strengthen international cooperation while maintaining economic stability and supporting long-term development priorities.
