NEW YORK: SEPT 24 (DNA): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the sidelines of the 80thSession of the United Nations General Assembly today.
The Prime Minister appreciated the IMF’s longstanding constructive partnership with Pakistan, which under, Ms. Georgieva’s leadership, had strengthened further. He acknowledged the IMF’s timely support under various instruments, including the Stand By Arrangement for USD 3 billion in FY 2024 followed by the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of USD 7 billion and Resilience & Sustainability Facility (RSF) of USD 1.4 billion.
Today, with the institution of deep-rooted structural reforms, Pakistan’s economy was showing positive signs of stabilization and was now moving towards recovery. The Prime Minister appreciated the IMF’s support in this regard that had been instrumental in guiding the Government’s economic reform efforts.
While emphasizing that Pakistan was making steady progress towards meeting the various targets and commitments under the IMF program, the Prime Minister said that the impact of the recent floods on Pakistan’s economy must be factored into the IMF’s review.
The IMF Managing Director expressed her sympathy to all people affected by the floods. She noted the importance of the damage assessment to underpin recovery priorities. The IMF Managing Director commended the Prime Minister’s commitment to pursuing sound macro-economic policies and reiterated the IMF’s continued support as Pakistan advances the necessary economic reforms to ensure sustainable long term economic growth.