NEW YORK: Pakistan IMF reform programme has helped preserve economic stability, restore investor confidence and improve the country’s access to international markets, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said after meeting Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in New York.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where the two leaders discussed Pakistan’s economic reforms and the country’s upcoming IMF programme review.
Pakistan IMF Reform Programme Supports Economic Recovery
Georgieva said the strong implementation of Pakistan’s reform programme had contributed to maintaining stability, rebuilding confidence and restoring market access. She added that continued reforms could support economic growth and improve living standards.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the IMF’s continued support for Pakistan and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the Pakistan IMF reform programme.
Pleasure meeting IMF Managing Director Ms. Kristalina Georgieva in New York this morning. I thanked her for the Fund’s continued support and deeply appreciated her personal role in strengthening Pakistan’s constructive partnership with the IMF.
I reaffirmed our Government’s… pic.twitter.com/XKi1Quhh1W
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 23, 2026
The prime minister also acknowledged Georgieva’s role in strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and the IMF.
Shehbaz said Pakistan was gradually moving from macroeconomic stabilisation towards economic recovery despite regional conflicts and external inflationary pressures.
He highlighted improvements in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence, while pointing to the National Tariff Regime, stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation as key reform measures.
The prime minister also stressed that economic reforms would continue alongside efforts to protect vulnerable segments of society.
IMF Praises Pakistan’s Economic Stabilisation Efforts
Georgieva welcomed Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and the government’s economic stabilisation efforts, saying the measures were producing tangible results.
I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz on the margins of #UNGA to discuss Pakistan’s reforms. Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence & regain market access. Continued reforms will help lift growth & improve people’s lives. pic.twitter.com/jiELSQysYw
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) September 23, 2026
The two sides also discussed Pakistan IMF reform programme and forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation on reforms, economic resilience and sustainable growth.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials attended the meeting.
