Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Commitment to Implementing IMF Programme

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister appreciated the IMF’s continued support for improving Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing the economic reform programme being carried out with the Fund’s support. He also appreciated Kristalina Georgieva’s role in strengthening positive and constructive relations between Pakistan and the IMF.

The Prime Minister said that despite pressure from external inflation and regional tensions, Pakistan had paved the way for economic recovery through prudent fiscal and monetary policies. Referring to fiscal discipline, an increase in foreign exchange reserves and the recovery of investor confidence, he said progress on the National Tariff Policy, revenue enhancement and the privatisation process reflected the government’s serious efforts. He added that protecting vulnerable segments of society remained a top priority during the process.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s measures for economic stability and implementation of the reform programme, saying that these policies were producing tangible and positive results.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on the review of Pakistan’s upcoming programme and continued cooperation for sustainable economic growth. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present.