IMF chief hails Pakistan's reform efforts as Shehbaz vows to stay the course

• IMF chief says strong reforms implementation preserved stability in Pakistan.
• Says continued reforms will lift growth and improve people's lives.
• PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to IMF-supported programme.

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

Georgieva made the remarks after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they discussed Pakistan's economic reforms and the country's forthcoming IMF programme review.

“Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access,” Georgieva said in a post on X.

She added that continued reforms would help lift economic growth and improve people's lives.

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

He also praised Georgieva's personal role in strengthening the constructive partnership between Pakistan and the Fund.

The prime minister said Pakistan was steadily moving from macroeconomic stabilisation towards economic recovery despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures.

"I reaffirmed our government's strong ownership of the reform agenda and our resolve to stay the course," the premier said in a social media post.

"Despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan is steadily moving from macroeconomic stabilisation towards economic recovery, with improved fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers and growing investor confidence," he stressed.

He highlighted improvements in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence, while pointing to measures including the National Tariff Regime, increased domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation.

Shehbaz also stressed that economic reforms would continue alongside efforts to protect vulnerable sections of society.

The IMF managing director appreciated Pakistan's performance under the global lender's programme and the government's efforts towards economic stabilisation, saying these efforts were producing tangible results.

The two sides also discussed Pakistan's forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation to advance reforms, strengthen economic resilience and support sustainable growth.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials attended the meeting.