IMF Chief Praises Pakistan’s Reforms in Meeting With PM Shehbaz
“Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence & regain market access,” she said, adding that continued reforms would help “lift growth & improve people's lives.”
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised Pakistan’s implementation of economic reforms, saying the measures have helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access, following a meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Georgieva on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the two discussed Pakistan’s economic reform programme, the country’s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation between Islamabad and the Fund.
Following the meeting, Georgieva said in a post on X that she had discussed Pakistan’s economic reforms with the prime minister.
“Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence & regain market access,” she said, adding that continued reforms would help “lift growth & improve people’s lives.”
Shehbaz Reaffirms Commitment to IMF Programme
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the IMF’s continued support for Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the IMF-supported reform programme, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He particularly appreciated Georgieva’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s partnership with the Fund.
The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s ownership of the economic reform agenda and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to maintain the momentum of reforms and advance structural measures aimed at strengthening the economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Pakistan Moving From Stabilisation Towards Recovery: PM
Shehbaz told the IMF chief that despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan was successfully transitioning from macroeconomic stabilisation towards a recovery path, supported by what he described as prudent fiscal and monetary policies.
He highlighted improvements in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence.
The prime minister cited the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation as examples of the government’s economic reform efforts.
He also underscored the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable segments of society while continuing economic reforms.
IMF Chief Appreciates Pakistan’s Performance
According to the PMO statement, Georgieva appreciated Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and the government’s economic stabilisation efforts, which she said were yielding tangible results.
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation between Pakistan and the Fund in advancing reforms, strengthening economic resilience and supporting sustainable growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.