World Bank Chief Ajay Banga Embarks on Historic Visit to Ancestral Home in Pakistan

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In a rare and highly symbolic visit, Ajay Banga, the Indian-origin President of the World Bank, has traveled to Pakistan to reconnect with his ancestral roots. A US citizen born in 1959 in Maharashtra, India, Banga has strong ties to the Punjab province in Pakistan, where his ancestors hailed from before the partition of India in 1947. During his four-day visit, which includes both professional and personal engagements, Banga has been accompanied by senior officials, including Pakistan's federal minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and provincial minister Ramesh Singh Arora. The visit has drawn significant attention, with locals gathering to welcome the World Bank chief as 'a son returning home'. Banga's visit to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, a sacred Sikh shrine associated with Guru Nanak, has been particularly notable. The shrine is one of several important Sikh sites that remained in Pakistan after the partition. As World Bank President, Banga has been a strong advocate for development and poverty reduction. His visit to Pakistan comes at a critical time, as the country seeks to implement a 10-year partnership framework with the World Bank, which will provide $20 billion in loans to support various development projects. The visit is also seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between Pakistan and the World Bank, particularly in the areas of education quality, child stunting, climate resilience, energy efficiency, and private investment. With Pakistan currently facing economic challenges, including a looming foreign debt default, the World Bank's support is crucial in helping the country stabilize its economy. Banga's visit has also highlighted the importance of cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and India, particularly among the Sikh community. Ramesh Singh Arora, the chief of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, has emphasized the shared bond of love between Sikhs across the world, including in India, and Pakistan due to the presence of their sacred sites in the country. As the World Bank chief continues his visit, he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials to discuss key policy issues and development projects. The visit is seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between Pakistan and the international community, particularly in the areas of development and poverty reduction.