Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing Pakistan’s economy through comprehensive reforms and prudent fiscal policies in a discussion with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The conversation, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, focused on maintaining macro-economic stability and fostering sustained economic growth in Pakistan.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this was the first meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and Managing Director Georgieva since his re-election, with their previous encounter at the Summit for New Global Financial Pact in Paris last June. During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his gratitude for the IMF’s support in securing a three billion dollar Standby Arrangement last year, which is nearing completion, with the IMF Executive Board set to decide on the final tranche of 1.1 billion dollars soon.

The IMF Managing Director praised Prime Minister Sharif’s efforts in securing the financial support timely last year. The discussions also covered the potential for Pakistan to enter another IMF program to build on the economic gains achieved last year and to ensure a positive growth trajectory for the country. Georgieva shared insights into the ongoing program’s review process and the strategic alignment with Pakistan’s economic goals.

Prime Minister Sharif took the opportunity to invite Managing Director Georgieva to visit Pakistan, highlighting the continued partnership between Pakistan and the IMF.