PM Shehbaz meets IMF chief

In last-ditch effort,Premier outlines steps taken by the Government for economic growth and stability,

PARIS: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact being held at Paris in France.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on the ongoing programs and cooperation between Pakistan and IMF.

Recalling their recent telephone conversation on 27 May 2023, the premier apprised Ms. Georgieva of Pakistan’s economic outlook.

Shehbaz Sharif outlined the steps taken by the Government for economic growth and stability. He underscored that all prior actions for 9th Review under the Extended Fund Facility had been completed and the Government of Pakistan was fully committed to fulfilling its obligations as agreed with the IMF.

Recalling their recent telephone conversation on 27 May 2023, the Prime Minister apprised Ms. Georgieva of Pakistan’s economic outlook.

Shehbaz Sharif outlined the steps taken by the Government for economic growth and stability. He underscored that all prior actions for the 9th Review under the Extended Fund Facility had been completed and the Government of Pakistan was fully committed to fulfilling its obligations as agreed with the IMF.

Premier expressed the hope that the funds allocated under the IMF’s EFF would be released as soon as possible.

This would help strengthen Pakistan’s on-going efforts towards economic stabilization, and bring relief to its people, asserted Shehbaz.

The Managing Director of the IMF shared her institution’s perspective on the ongoing review process. The meeting provided a useful opportunity to take stock of the progress in that context.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Ms. Sherry Rehman; Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq; Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb; Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Ms. Aisha Ghaus Pasha; Special Assistant to PM, Mr. Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Mr. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad attended the meeting.