Pakistan has been formally announced as the incoming chair of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group for the year 2027, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs on Friday.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, who serves as Pakistan’s governor to the World Bank, was confirmed for the upcoming leadership position during the plenary session of the 2026 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings convened in Bangkok.
Global Economic Forum in Bangkok
The high-level gathering in Bangkok, scheduled to take place from October 12 to October 18, brought together more than 15,000 delegates representing 191 member nations. Attendees at the forum include central bank governors, government policymakers, and corporate and financial leaders deliberating on international economic matters and global development priorities.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs characterized Pakistan’s selection as a historic milestone, highlighting that the nation will take on the chairmanship for the first time since 1953.
Strategic Multilateral Role
In its official announcement, the ministry observed that assuming the chairmanship will afford Pakistan a significant platform to take part in international economic and developmental discourse while helping foster constructive dialogue across member states.
Following the plenary proceedings, Minister Cheema attended an official briefing conducted by the World Bank Group Corporate Secretariat regarding the operational responsibilities associated with the chairmanship.
Cheema also held talks with World Bank Group Vice President and Corporate Secretary Aradhana Kumar-Capoor to review coordination mechanisms and institutional support planned for Pakistan throughout its upcoming term. In addition, the federal minister met with Carlos Carvallo Spalding, governor of the Central Bank of Paraguay and outgoing chair of the boards, as part of the transition process.
