- Pakistan’s economy improves after government reforms: IMF chief.
- He highlights constructive talks with Islamabad over the years.
- IMF chief says prime minister and cabinet carried out difficult reforms.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for implementing difficult reforms aimed at Pakistan’s development.
Speaking after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the IMF managing director said Pakistan’s economy was improving after the government “took reforms seriously”.
“We are finally seeing that budget discipline provides resources that can be used to improve [the] people’s lives,” Georgieva said, adding that the IMF team hoped to continue implementing the Pakistan program.
The IMF chief praised Prime Minister Shehbaz for fulfilling his commitment to reforms and said the lender has had very constructive engagements with Pakistan over the years.
“I have a lot of respect for the prime minister. He is serious; when he gives his word that something will be done, it is done,” he added.
He also highlighted the continued engagement with Islamabad during meetings focused on the reform agenda.
“We always use time effectively to identify where progress has been made and where there is still more to do,” he said. “And that was exactly the case this time. Therefore, my great respect for the seriousness of the Prime Minister and his cabinet in carrying out difficult reforms for the betterment of Pakistan.”
Last year, the IMF disbursed $1.2 billion to Pakistan under the climate-focused Extended Fund Facility (ESAF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
The global lender, in its meeting held on December 8, 2025, approved a loan of $1.2 billion for Pakistan after completing the second review of the country’s economic reform program under the SAF and the first review under the RSF.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the IMF Managing Director on Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators, stabilization efforts and progress in structural reforms. He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilization and sustainable growth.
The IMF Managing Director acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and emphasized the importance of maintaining reform momentum to ensure long-term economic resilience.
Both sides exchanged views on the global economic outlook, the challenges facing emerging economies and the importance of multilateral support to safeguard economic stability.
