International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised Pakistan’s economic reform efforts during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Georgieva said strong implementation of the reform programme had helped preserve economic stability, restore confidence and regain market access. She also said continued reforms could support economic growth and improve living standards.
Shehbaz Reaffirms Commitment to IMF Programme
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing the IMF-supported reform programme.
He said Pakistan was moving from macroeconomic stabilization towards economic recovery despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures. The government, he added, would maintain momentum on reforms and structural measures.
Shehbaz highlighted stronger fiscal discipline, improved external buffers and growing investor confidence. He also pointed to measures involving tariff reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation and privatisation.
Pakistan’s Next IMF Review Discussed
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s upcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation on economic reforms. Pakistan’s current IMF programme includes measures focused on public finances, energy sector reforms, state-owned enterprises and structural changes.
Shehbaz said reforms would continue alongside measures aimed at protecting vulnerable sections of society. The IMF has previously identified macroeconomic stability, stronger public finances, energy-sector viability and social protection among the programme’s key priorities.
