Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to economic reforms, fiscal sustainability, and energy sector improvements, aiming for inclusive and green growth. This commitment was expressed during a meeting with Jihad Azour, Director of the International Monetary Fund’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting included key IMF officials such as Iva Petrova, IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, and Mahir Binici, IMF Resident Representative for Pakistan. President Zardari praised the IMF’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s reform agenda and acknowledged the confidence shown by the IMF leadership in the nation’s reform efforts under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

President Zardari highlighted the successful completion of the fourth review of the EFF and the third review of the RSF, as well as the staff-level agreement, expressing optimism about Pakistan’s path toward economic recovery and stability. The country’s economy has grown to $452.1 billion in FY2026, with real GDP growth increasing to 3.7 percent from 3.2 percent in FY2025. Fiscal management has improved, with the fiscal deficit reducing to 2.6 percent of GDP in FY2025-26, and a primary surplus achieved for the third consecutive year in FY2026.

The President reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing revenue mobilisation, tax administration, and public sector reforms. He noted efforts to expand tax documentation, digitise revenue collection, and reduce tax evasion. The reform programme has garnered support from all political stakeholders, with provincial governments actively contributing to reform commitments and targets.

President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives to promote peace amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Jihad Azour acknowledged Pakistan’s engagement with the IMF and stressed the importance of sustaining reform efforts for macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth.

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, former Federal Minister Syed Naveed Qamar MNA, and Secretary Finance.