Pakistan to chair IMF, World Bank boards next year for first time since 1953
Pakistan has been named the incoming chair of the IMF and World Bank Boards of Governors for 2027, marking its first time holding the position since 1953. Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema will represent the country in this role, which the government describes as a historic milestone for global economic dialogue.
Why it matters
This appointment elevates Pakistan's diplomatic standing in international financial institutions at a time when the country is actively managing significant IMF loan facilities and economic reforms.
Pakistan to chair IMF, World Bank boards next year for first time since 1953 left International Monetary Fund (IMF). File Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/70sb0e/article71591795.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-13T020015Z_927683707_RC2SBBATQB9U_RTRMADP_3_IMF-WORLBANK-OUTLOOK.JPG BENOIT TESSIER FILE PHOTO: A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, who is also Pakistan’s governor to the World Bank, was formally announced as the incoming chair during the plenary session of the 2026 WBG-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. Islamabad Pakistan was named the incoming chair of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) for 2027, returning to the position for the first time since 1953, the country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Friday (October 16, 2026).
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