- Pakistan’s economy improves after government reforms: IMF chief.
- Highlights constructive discussions with Islamabad over the years.
- The IMF chief said the prime minister and cabinet had pursued 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 “seriously adopted reforms”.
“We are finally seeing fiscal discipline bring resources that can be deployed to improve [the] human lives,” Georgieva said, adding that the IMF team looked forward to continuing the implementation of the Pakistani program.
The IMF chief praised Prime Minister Shehbaz for honoring his commitment to reforms, saying the lender had very constructive engagements with Pakistan over the years.
“I respect the Prime Minister a lot. He is serious; when he promises that something will be done, it will be done,” she added.
She also highlighted continued engagement with Islamabad during meetings focused on the reform agenda.
“We always use time effectively to identify areas where progress has been made and where there is still more to do,” she said. “And that was exactly the case this time. I therefore express my utmost respect for the seriousness of the Prime Minister and his cabinet in pursuing difficult reforms for the good of Pakistan.”
Last year, the IMF disbursed $1.2 billion to Pakistan under the climate-focused Extended Financing Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
The global lender, in its meeting on December 8, 2025, had approved a loan of $1.2 billion for Pakistan after completing the second review of the country’s economic reform program under the EFF and the first review under the FSR.
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 recognized and appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and stressed the importance of maintaining reform momentum to ensure long-term economic resilience.
The two sides exchanged views on the global economic outlook, challenges facing emerging economies and the importance of multilateral support to safeguard economic stability.
