WASHINGTON, Friday, April 17, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a substantive meeting with Kalpana Kochhar, President for Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C..
At the outset, the minister recalled his earlier interaction with Bill Gates during the World Economic Forum in Davos, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong partnership with the Gates Foundation.
Aurangzeb emphasized that eradication of Polio remains a national priority, requiring sustained and systemic support.
He also briefed Dr. Kochhar on ongoing reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue, focusing on reducing revenue leakages and improving tax compliance.
The finance minister highlighted that the Prime Minister is personally overseeing the country’s digital transformation programme through regular review meetings. He outlined three key pillars of the initiative: digitization and financial inclusion, government payments, and development of digital infrastructure.
Detailing reforms within FBR, Aurangzeb cited the introduction of a digital Compliance Risk Management (CRM) system, AI-led production monitoring in various sectors, behavioral nudges through SMS, and targeted training programmes for young officers. He stressed that the government aims to institutionalize reforms rather than rely on short-term measures.
On polio vaccine financing, the minister warned that current funding is sufficient only through June–July, raising concerns about potential disruptions.
He said Pakistan would utilize its strong engagement with the Islamic Development Bank to expedite additional financial support.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continued knowledge sharing and collaboration as a cornerstone of the Pakistan–Gates Foundation partnership.
