PM Shehbaz, IMF chief meet on UNGA sidelines as Fund kicks off Pakistan review

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of UN General Assembly 2026, on the same day as an IMF mission started discussions with Pakistani authorities for the next review under the $7-billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

According to a statement from the PM’s office, PM Shehbaz thanked the IMF for its continued support for Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to successfully implementing the IMF-supported reform programme.

Meanwhile, Georgieva posted on X that she met with the prime minister to discuss Pakistan’s reforms: “Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access. Continued reforms will help lift growth & improve people’s lives.

The PM’s statement said that he particularly appreciated the Managing Director’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s constructive partnership with the Fund.

It added that he reaffirmed the government’s ownership of the economic reform agenda and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to maintain the momentum of reforms and advance structural measures aimed at strengthening the economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The prime minister further noted that, despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan was successfully transitioning from macroeconomic stabilisation towards a recovery path, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies.

He highlighted improvements in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence. He cited the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, and progress on privatisation as examples of Pakistan’s efforts.

The PM also underscored the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable segments of society alongside maintaining economic reforms.

The Managing Director appreciated Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and the Government’s efforts for economic stabilisation, which were yielding tangible results, the PM office said.

The two leaders also discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review and the continued cooperation between Pakistan and the Fund in advancing reforms, strengthening economic resilience and supporting sustainable growth.

Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sen.Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Advisor on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.