82675
                        Islamic Republic of Pakistan: Program for Results Operation
                                Punjab Public Management Reform Program

                                                               Chair Summary

                                                 Meeting of Executive Directors

                                                           November 14, 2013



       The Executive Directors approved a credit in the amount of SDR 32.6 million (US$ 50
million equivalent) to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the Program for Results Operation
“Punjab Public Management Reform Program” on the terms and conditions set out in the
President’s Memorandum (IDA/R2013-0264).

         Directors supported the operation, the Bank’s first PforR operation in the public
management sector and the first one in Pakistan, which aims to improve transparency and
resource management of targeted departments of the province of Punjab. They noted that it was
critical to support the country during the ongoing economic crisis, while also staying engaged to
improve day to day service delivery.

         Taking note of the challenging elements of the program, Directors welcomed its focus on
governance and accountability. They stressed the importance of learning from experience from
both the application of this instrument in the public management sector and also the technology
innovations being supported. They also emphasized engagement with the client to build
institutional capacity, provide technical assistance, and communicate with stakeholders to sustain
the proposed governance reforms, particularly regarding public financial management.

        The Directors highlighted the importance of independent and credible verification of
results as well as the suggested disbursement mechanisms to provide incentives to achieve and
sustain the proposed results. The Directors acknowledged the overall high risk of the operation,
including the substantial fiduciary risks, and underscored the need to carefully monitor risk
developments, execute the Program Action Plan, and support the Government’s overall risk
mitigation efforts.

 




                                                            

  This summary is not an approved record.