DUBAI: In a significant development on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a crucial meeting with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The talks primarily focused on the progress of Pakistan's ongoing IMF programme and the country's efforts toward achieving macroeconomic stability. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) issued a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the discussion highlighted Pakistan's ongoing commitment to implementing vital structural reforms and maintaining fiscal discipline as key drivers of the nation's economic recovery.

The statement emphasized that these reforms had not only contributed to stabilizing the economy but were also essential to sustaining long-term growth. During the meeting, IMF Managing Director Georgieva acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in implementing the IMF-supported programme effectively. She expressed satisfaction with the country's improving economic performance, pointing to indicators such as rising growth and a declining inflation rate.

Georgieva stated, "Pakistan is on the path to recovery and growth, demonstrating resilience through critical reforms." Both leaders also discussed Pakistan's reform agenda, with Georgieva expressing the IMF's continued support for the country's commitment to fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and good governance. She stressed the importance of these pillars in ensuring long-term economic stability and fostering growth. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the significant progress made under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which has played a pivotal role in stabilizing Pakistan's economy. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining reform efforts, particularly in areas such as tax reform, energy sector efficiency, and private sector development. "Pakistan is resolute in its commitment to economic prudence, efficiency, and sustainability. These are essential for inclusive and sustained growth," said the Prime Minister. In a separate post on social media platform X, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the IMF's ongoing support, emphasizing that Pakistan is moving from a phase of macroeconomic stabilization toward a more sustainable and prosperous economic future. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of continued international collaboration to achieve these goals. Georgieva, in her own statement on X, praised the government's strong resolve in implementing IMF-supported reforms. She also recognized the crucial role these reforms play in fostering higher growth and creating more job opportunities for Pakistan's youthful population. "The decisive actions taken by the government will pave the way for more jobs and growth, securing a brighter future for Pakistan," Georgieva stated.

The meeting between PM Shehbaz and Georgieva comes at a time of renewed focus on Pakistan's economic trajectory. Just days earlier, the Finance Ministry announced that a three-member IMF mission would visit Pakistan to conduct a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment under the 2024 Extended Fund Facility programme. This mission is expected to assess Pakistan's governance structures and help identify areas of reform crucial for sustained economic stability. The meeting between the IMF delegation, led by Georgieva, and the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, on Tuesday further underscored the importance of institutional reforms. During this meeting, the IMF delegation expressed its appreciation for the judiciary's role in upholding legal and institutional stability in Pakistan and supported ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening governance and accountability within the country.

These discussions underscore the collaborative efforts between Pakistan and the IMF to foster economic growth, stability, and prosperity in the coming years, driven by sustained reforms and a commitment to fiscal discipline.