World Bank Shifts Pakistan and Afghanistan to MENA Region
Why in the news
The World Bank regrouped Pakistan and Afghanistan under MENA, calling it managerial, even as India voiced concern over lending to Pakistan.
Key facts
| Region | Members mentioned |
|---|---|
| South Asia (now) | India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
| MENA (joined by Pakistan, Afghanistan) | Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Yemen, West Bank and Gaza |
India’s position
- Opposes multilateral loans to Pakistan from the World Bank and IMF, citing terrorism financing and aid misuse.
Exam angle
- South Asia region size: six countries.