Dubai, February 12, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held crucial discussions with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, centered around Pakistan’s ongoing IMF programme and the significant strides the country has made toward macroeconomic stability.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday, the meeting emphasized the positive outcomes of the government’s comprehensive reform agenda and its pivotal role in stabilizing the country’s economy. The statement highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and maintaining fiscal discipline, which have been critical in restoring economic stability and are expected to support sustainable growth in the future.
During the meeting, IMF Managing Director Georgieva praised Pakistan’s consistent efforts in adhering to the IMF-supported programme, noting the country’s improving economic performance. She pointed out the positive trend of rising growth and declining inflation, which has contributed to Pakistan’s economic recovery. Georgieva acknowledged that the country is on a path to growth, thanks to the successful implementation of reforms under the ongoing programme.
PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the reform agenda, particularly in key areas such as tax reform, energy sector efficiency, and private sector development. The Prime Minister emphasized the role of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy and setting it on a trajectory of long-term recovery. He assured Georgieva of Pakistan’s dedication to maintaining fiscal discipline and economic prudence as core pillars to achieve inclusive and sustained growth.
Georgieva reiterated the IMF’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s reform agenda, underscoring the importance of continued fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and good governance. She stressed that these efforts are essential for ensuring long-term economic stability and driving future growth. The IMF chief’s comments reflect the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the international financial institution, aimed at addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges and positioning it for a more resilient future.
The Prime Minister’s Office further highlighted that PM Shehbaz expressed confidence in the government’s ability to sustain the momentum of the reform process, which has already begun to yield positive results. He specifically mentioned ongoing reforms in the taxation system, the energy sector, and efforts to enhance private sector involvement in Pakistan’s economic development. These areas, according to the PM, will be critical in laying the foundation for sustainable growth and economic recovery.
The meeting between PM Shehbaz and IMF’s Georgieva comes at a critical time for Pakistan as it seeks to continue its economic recovery journey while balancing the demands of the IMF programme. The discussions reaffirmed the country’s determination to adhere to the terms of the IMF programme, ensuring that structural reforms continue to drive improvements in fiscal health, governance, and economic growth.
Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with the IMF underscores its commitment to reform and its recognition of the importance of international partnerships in achieving long-term economic stability. The government’s focus on sustainable growth, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms provides a solid foundation for Pakistan to overcome its current economic challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and development.