New YorK (GNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong determination to sustain reform momentum and pursue structural measures aimed at strengthening the economy and building a foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth, during a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Sharif expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support of Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed his government’s full commitment to successfully implementing the IMF-backed reform programme, particularly acknowledging Georgieva’s personal role in strengthening the partnership between Pakistan and the Fund.
He noted that despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan is successfully moving from macroeconomic stabilization toward a path of recovery, supported by sound fiscal and monetary policies. He pointed to improvements in fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers, and growing investor confidence, citing the National Tariff Regime, improved domestic revenue collection, and progress on privatization as concrete examples of Pakistan’s reform efforts. He also stressed the government’s continued focus on protecting vulnerable segments of society alongside advancing economic reforms.
Georgieva, in turn, commended Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and praised the government’s stabilization efforts, noting that these measures are already producing tangible results.
The two leaders also discussed Pakistan’s upcoming IMF programme review and the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the Fund in advancing reforms, building economic resilience, and supporting sustainable growth.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Advisor on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
Following the meeting, Sharif shared a post on X thanking Georgieva for the IMF’s continued support and expressing deep appreciation for her personal contribution to strengthening the Pakistan-IMF partnership. He reiterated that despite regional conflicts and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan is steadily transitioning from macroeconomic stabilization to economic recovery, backed by improved fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers, and rising investor confidence.
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He added that he had reaffirmed his government’s strong ownership of the reform agenda and its resolve to stay the course, noting that the discussion also covered Pakistan’s upcoming IMF programme review and continued efforts to strengthen economic resilience while maintaining reform momentum.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
