Pakistani-British barrister and arbitrator, Mahnaz Malik, has clinched a prestigious appointment as one of the seven external judges on the World Bank (WB) Sanctions Board. This autonomous tribunal holds the responsibility of making final determinations in cases involving sanctionable misconduct, such as corruption and fraud, within World Bank-funded development projects.
Bringing a wealth of expertise amassed over 23 years, Malik has successfully navigated intricate cross-border disputes involving governments, corporations, and international organizations. Her multifaceted experience spans diverse sectors, including mining, energy, construction, and infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on natural resources, joint ventures, and international investment laws.
Her illustrious career has been adorned with numerous accolades, notably being one of the youngest ever appointed to the World Bank’s ICSID Annulment Committee and receiving the esteemed UK Financial Times Legal Innovator of the Year Award in 2007.
In her new role on the Sanctions Board, Malik joins a distinguished panel entrusted with safeguarding the integrity and accountability of World Bank-funded projects. This pivotal position demands not only legal prowess but also an unyielding commitment to ethical practices and the realization of global development goals.
Functioning as a crucial safeguard for development funds, the Board serves as the final line of defense against fraud and misconduct. Its impartial nature ensures unbiased evaluations of allegations and equitable dispensation of sanctions, ranging from reprimands to debarment from future projects. Moreover, decisions made by the World Bank Sanctions Board hold broader implications for other multilateral development banks (MDBs).
