The IMF acknowledged Pakistan’s economic stabilization efforts and pledged continued partnership on the country’s journey toward fiscal sustainability
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic recovery and long-term development. In a recent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the IMF delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress Pakistan has made under the ongoing economic reform program.
The Fund acknowledged Pakistan’s strides in stabilizing the economy and signaled its readiness to remain a reliable partner in its path to fiscal sustainability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for his part, underscored that Pakistan is now shifting from stabilization to growth. He vowed to accelerate the momentum on both macroeconomic and institutional reforms, pledging that his government will maintain discipline and transparency as it pursues structural improvements in key sectors.
The prime minister also held a separate high-level meeting with a delegation from the World Bank, led by Managing Director of Operations, Ana Bejar De. In the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif hailed the World Bank as a crucial development partner, noting that the partnership has paved the way for over $20 billion in planned development investments across Pakistan. He stressed that practical measures are already being rolled out to ensure that the impact of these investments is felt directly by the public, particularly in underserved areas.
Shehbaz Sharif also took the opportunity to reflect on the 2022 floods, which displaced millions and inflicted widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. He praised the World Bank’s swift and substantial support for flood victims, saying the international community’s solidarity had been vital during the crisis. World Bank Managing Director Ana Bejar De commended Pakistan’s recent macroeconomic progress, describing its stability as “exemplary.”
MD WB reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to deepen collaboration with Pakistan and highlighted the positive trajectory of reforms being implemented under their country partnership framework. The meeting was also attended by World Bank Country Director Najee Benhassine, key federal ministers, and members of parliament, reflecting the depth of multilateral engagement as Pakistan seeks to steer itself toward sustainable development and inclusive growth.
