Sep 7, 2020 – Islamabad: SAPM Dr. Sania Nishtar was called on by Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director at Ehsaas offices in the federal capital. This was the first visit of Benhassine since he took the charge as the World Bank Country Director to Pakistan. Welcoming Benhassine, Dr. Nishtar apprised him about the flagship Ehsaas program that is aimed to reduce inequality, invest in people, and lift lagging districts. “Ehsaas is about the creation of a ‘welfare state’ by countering elite capture and leveraging 21st century tools- such as using data and technology to create precision safety nets; promoting financial inclusion and access to digital services; supporting the economic empowerment of women; focusing on the central role of human capital formation for poverty eradication, economic growth and sustainable development; and overcoming financial barriers to accessing health and post-secondary education.” The courtesy call also discussed post COVID-19 collaborations. Benhassine applauded the scale and depth of multifaceted Ehsaas programs, policies and actions.