IMF Chief Sees Economic Recovery and Stability Amid Pakistan’s Reform Programme

NEW YORK: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has said strong implementation of Pakistan’s economic reform programme has helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain access to financial markets.

Georgieva made the remarks after meeting Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In a post on X, the IMF chief said continued implementation of the reform programme would help strengthen economic growth and improve living standards in Pakistan.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the IMF’s continued support for Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing the IMF-supported reform programme.

The prime minister also acknowledged Georgieva’s role in strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and the IMF.

Shehbaz said Pakistan was gradually moving from macroeconomic stabilisation towards economic recovery, despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures.

He said the government remained committed to maintaining fiscal discipline, strengthening external buffers and improving investor confidence.

The prime minister highlighted several measures being pursued as part of the reform agenda, including the National Tariff Regime, greater domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on the privatisation programme.

He stressed that economic reforms would continue alongside measures aimed at protecting vulnerable segments of society.

According to the IMF chief, Pakistan’s performance under the Fund-supported programme and the government’s efforts towards economic stabilisation were producing tangible results.

The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation between Islamabad and the Fund.

The discussions focused on advancing reforms, strengthening economic resilience and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to consolidate recent gains in economic stability while continuing structural reforms aimed at improving fiscal management, investment and long-term growth.