Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by the Ministry of Finance on the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a meeting held on Monday to review Pakistan’s economic situation.

The briefing provided updates on key economic indicators, inflation trends, and the government’s efforts to combat tax evasion. The PM was also informed about actions being taken to target tax evaders and those facilitating such activities. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that Pakistan was on the right track toward economic stability. He pointed out that the government’s recent economic policies had led to a positive shift in key areas, including the stock market, with foreign investors showing growing confidence in the country’s economic direction. The PM specifically noted the reduction in inflation from 38% last year to 7% and the decline in the interest rate from 22% to 15%. These steps, he emphasized, would boost business activity, foster economic growth, and create more job opportunities in the country.

In addition to the broader economic measures, PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of prioritizing public relief. He reassured the public that the government was making every effort to honor the promises made to the people, particularly in terms of easing inflation and fostering economic recovery. He also praised the reforms in the agricultural sector implemented by the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, acknowledging their positive impact on the sector’s development. The PM called for intensified actions against tax defaulters and assured that both tax evaders and their facilitators would be held accountable. Several senior federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Musadik Malik, and Minister of State Ali Pervaiz Malik, attended the meeting. The briefing came ahead of the IMF’s first review of Pakistan’s reform progress under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. An IMF delegation, led by mission chief Nathan Porter, visited Pakistan last week to discuss the programme, signaling ongoing engagement between the two sides.