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, South Asia is now defined to include only India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

In August 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan. In September 2021, Israel was moved from US European Command (EUCOM) to CENTCOM. Are these changing geopolitical dynamics redefining area studies? Is this tactical, strategic, or accidental? What does this change signify for Pakistan?

The World Bank’s changing terminologies have consequences. Policy makers and academia in Pakistan—and all who have spent lifetimes researching South Asia—must critically review this change. It is unwise to lump the Middle East and North Africa with Afghanistan and Pakistan, which straddle three distinct regions. The Bank must sustain common regional ground and work for peace and development, not create new spheres of influence.

How do you read this WBG move? Please share your comments and critique.