International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has stated that the strong implementation of Pakistan's reform programme has been instrumental in preserving economic stability, restoring market confidence, and regaining access to international financial markets. Georgieva made these remarks following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
During the meeting, both leaders engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding Pakistan's ongoing economic reforms and the preparations for the country's forthcoming IMF programme review. "Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access," Georgieva noted in a post on the social media platform X.
She further emphasized that the continuation of these structural reforms would be vital to accelerating economic growth and improving the living standards of the Pakistani people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep appreciation for the IMF's consistent support for Pakistan's economy.
He reaffirmed his government's unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the IMF-supported reform agenda. Furthermore, the Prime Minister lauded Georgieva's personal role in fostering a constructive and collaborative partnership between Pakistan and the Fund.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan is steadily transitioning from a phase of macroeconomic stabilization toward sustainable economic recovery, despite facing significant challenges such as regional conflicts and external inflationary pressures. "I reaffirmed our government's strong ownership of the reform agenda and our resolve to stay the course," the Prime Minister stated in a post on social media.
He underscored that despite the difficult global economic climate, Pakistan is witnessing improvements in fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers, and growing investor confidence. The Prime Minister specifically pointed to key policy measures, including the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilization, and significant progress on the government's privatization agenda as evidence of this positive trajectory.
Shehbaz Sharif also stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring that economic reforms are implemented in a manner that protects the most vulnerable sections of society. He reiterated that social safety nets would remain a priority throughout the reform process to mitigate any potential negative impacts on the public.
In response, the IMF Managing Director commended Pakistan's performance under the current programme. She acknowledged the government's dedicated efforts toward economic stabilization, noting that these measures are already producing tangible and positive results for the national economy.
The two sides also deliberated on the upcoming IMF programme review, agreeing to maintain close cooperation to further advance structural reforms, strengthen economic resilience, and support long-term sustainable growth. Both parties expressed optimism regarding the future trajectory of Pakistan's economic health.
The meeting was attended by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials who are currently accompanying the Prime Minister in New York.