In meeting with IMF chief, PM affirms Pakistan’s resolve to sustain reform momentum

ISLAMABAD, FEB 12 (DNA):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that Pakistan would continue with reforms to ensure economic stability.

The premier, during a meeting with Georgieva held on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai, discussed Pakistan’s ongoing IMF programme and the macroeconomic stability achieved through the government’s comprehensive reform agenda.

A three-member IMF mission is also in the country to conduct a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment under the country’s 2024 Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. They have already met Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.

Islamabad, currently bolstered by a $7 billion facility from the IMF granted in September, is navigating an economic recovery.

The IMF is set to review Pakistan’s progress by March, with the government and central bank expressing confidence about meeting its targets.

Meanwhile, the Dubai meeting highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and maintaining fiscal discipline, which had been instrumental in restoring economic stability and would be critical in driving sustainable growth, according to a statement from the PM Office issued Wednesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the progress made under the IMF’s EFF, which has played a key role in stabilising Pakistan’s economy; setting it on the path of long-term recovery.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain the reform momentum, particularly in critical areas such as tax reform, energy sector efficiency, and private sector development.

The premier assured the IMF chief of Pakistan’s commitment to economic prudence, efficiency, and sustainability as essential pillars for achieving inclusive and sustained growth.

In response, Georgieva commended Pakistan’s efforts in effectively implementing the IMF-supported programme, highlighting the country’s improving economic performance with rising growth and declining inflation.

She recognised that Pakistan is on the path to growth and has undergone economic recovery.

The IMF MD also acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership and personal commitment to driving the country’s reform agenda, which has been critical in achieving economic stability and progress.

She reiterated the IMF’s continued support for Pakistan’s reform agenda, emphasising the importance of sustained fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and good governance to ensure long-term economic stability and growth.