From AF-Pak to MENAAP?

According to the World Bank Group (WBG) April 2026 press release, Pakistan is now part of Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP). Pakistan has been taken out of South Asia arbitrarily, why? Pakistan’s geography positions it as a civilizational bridge—connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Excluding Pakistan, now, South Asia, is defined to include, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal & Sri Lanka. In August 2021, Taliban took over Afghanistan and in September 2021, Israel was taken out of the US European (EUCOM)and inducted into CENTOM by the US. Are these changing geopolitical dynamics re-defining area studies? Is it s tactical, strategic or accidental shift? What does this change signify or imply for Pakistan? WB’s changing terminologies and concepts have consequences. Therefore, policy makers and academia in Pakistan and all those who have spent life time in conducting research on South Asia as a region, need to critically review and challenge this change in nomenclature. It is cumbersome, unwise to lump Middle East, North Africa- two culturally, politically diverse regions with two states–Afghanistan and Pakistan, which conveniently straddle among three regions; South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia, therefore the ‘wise leaders/policy makers of WB’ must be urged not to be swayed by the changing geopolitical environment of the region and sustain common grounds in which neighbors are rooted despite their disputes and rivalries. WB must continue to work for promoting peace, development and eliminating poverty and not creating regions or spheres of influence.

How do you read this WBG move? Please feel free to share your comments /crtique/feedback