IMF chief showers praise on PM Shehbaz for ‘turning Pakistan around’

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has showered praise on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for introducing difficult reforms aimed at taking Pakistan forward on the road of development, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

Speaking after meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Kristalina Georgieva said Pakistan's economy was improving after the government "adopted reforms seriously".

The IMF managing director said "We are finally seeing the budget discipline bringing resources that can be deployed to improve people’s lives," she said, adding the IMF team was looking forward to continuing the implementation of Pakistan's programme.

The IMF chief lauded PM Shehbaz for honouring his commitment to reforms, saying the lender has had very constructive engagements with Pakistan throughout the years. "I highly respect the prime minister. He is serious; when he gives his word that something will be done, it gets done," she added.

Kristalina Georgieva also highlighted continued engagement with Islamabad during meetings focused on the reform agenda. "We always use the time effectively to identify where progress is made, where there is still more to do," she said and added "And that was exactly the case this time. So, my high respect for the seriousness of the prime minister and his cabinet to carry forward difficult reforms for the betterment of Pakistan."

Last year, the IMF disbursed $1.2 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the climate-focused Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

During their meeting, PM Shehbaz apprised the IMF MD of Pakistan’s improving macro-economic indicators, stabilisation efforts, and progress on structural reforms. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation, and sustainable growth.

The IMF managing director acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and emphasised the importance of maintaining reform momentum to ensure long-term economic resilience. 

IMF chief terms Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a man of his word. She appreciated the PM and his cabinet for undertaking tough reforms to improve the economic situation of Pakistan, which was at the brink of default after the poor performance of Imran Khan's PTI govt. pic.twitter.com/i1DeEhUhhM

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