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IMF chief hails Pakistan\u2019s reform implementation, saying it helped preserve stability and restore confidence<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shakes hands with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva during a meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. Photo: X <\/p>\n
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not expressed any serious concerns over Pakistan\u2019s targeted subsidy of Rs100 per litre during his meeting with the Fund\u2019s managing director on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.<\/p>\n
Speaking to The Express Tribune <\/em>after meeting IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, the prime minister said he had briefed her in detail on the pressure Pakistan faces and the difficulties confronting low-income people.<\/p>\n \u201cWe drew the IMF chief\u2019s attention to the question of where the poor man would go,\u201d the premier said, adding that the targeted subsidy was being distributed through a comprehensive and transparent mechanism.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, PM Shehbaz announced a special relief scheme offering Rs100 per litre off petrol for motorcycles, three-wheeler rickshaws, and cars with engines up to 800cc, in an attempt to shield lower-income consumers from the impact of rising petroleum prices.<\/p>\n Later, in a post on X, the IMF managing director hailed Pakistan\u2019s implementation of reforms, saying they had helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access.<\/p>\n I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz<\/a> on the margins of #UNGA<\/a> 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the margins of UNGA to discuss Pakistan\u2019s reforms,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cContinuing reforms will help boost economic growth and improve the living standards of the people,” said the IMF chief.<\/p>\n PM Shehbaz, IMF chief discuss reforms, subsidy: PMO<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz appreciated the IMF\u2019s continued support for Pakistan\u2019s economy and reaffirmed his government\u2019s \u201cunwavering commitment\u201d to the successful implementation of the IMF-supported reform programme, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n In meeting with the IMF chief, the prime minister particularly appreciated Georgieva\u2019s role in strengthening Pakistan\u2019s constructive partnership with the Fund.<\/p>\n He reaffirmed the government\u2019s strong ownership of the economic reform agenda and reiterated Pakistan\u2019s resolve to maintain the momentum of reforms and advance structural measures aimed at strengthening the economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth.<\/p>\n Pleasure meeting IMF Managing Director Ms. Kristalina Georgieva in New York this morning. I thanked her for the Fund\u2019s continued support and deeply appreciated her personal role in strengthening Pakistan\u2019s constructive partnership with the IMF.<\/p>\n I reaffirmed our Government\u2019s\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/XKi1Quhh1W<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n \u201cDespite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan is successfully transitioning from macroeconomic stabilization towards a recovery path, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies,\u201d the prime minister noted.<\/p>\n Highlighting the improvements in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence, the premier cited the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation as examples of Pakistan\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n He also underscored the government\u2019s commitment to protecting vulnerable segments of society alongside maintaining economic reforms.<\/p>\n The IMF managing director appreciated Pakistan\u2019s performance under the IMF programme and the government\u2019s efforts for economic stabilisation, saying these were yielding tangible results.<\/p>\n The two leaders also discussed Pakistan\u2019s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation between Pakistan and the Fund in advancing reforms, strengthening economic resilience and supporting sustainable growth.<\/p>\n Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.<\/p>\n PM Shehbaz, EU leaders discuss trade, GSP Plus<\/strong><\/p>\n Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met President of the European Council Ant\u00f3nio Lu\u00eds Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of the event in New York, with the leaders reviewing the \u201cfull spectrum\u201d of Pakistan-European Union relations.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met President of the European Council Ant\u00f3nio Lu\u00eds Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the leaders reviewing the \u201cfull spectrum\u201d of Pakistan-European Union relations..<\/p>\n Prime Minister held a meeting with President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Ant\u00f3nio Lu\u00eds Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms.Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.<\/p>\n The leaders\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/UWmiQQ7N0b<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister\u2019s Office, the leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum in high-level exchanges and engagement between Pakistan and the EU.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to further strengthening its broad-based partnership with the European Union and to the full implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.<\/p>\n He underscored the importance of sustained leadership-level engagement in providing greater direction and momentum to the relationship.<\/p>\n PM Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of GSP Plus for Pakistan\u2019s economic development, employment generation and trade with the European Union, and reiterated Pakistan\u2019s commitment to continued engagement with the EU under the framework.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Ant\u00f3nio Lu\u00eds Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms.Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen in New York. pic.twitter.com\/t6s93gSReR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed the importance of \u201cdialogue, diplomacy, international law and peaceful resolution of disputes\u201d.<\/p>\n The prime minister reiterated his invitation to the presidents of the European Council and European Commission to visit Pakistan and expressed his desire to continue working closely with the EU leadership to further deepen the \u201cmutually beneficial partnership\u201d.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, in a post on X, Leyen described the engagement with PM Shehbaz as a \u201cvery good meeting\u201d, saying the EU valued its partnership with Pakistan.<\/p>\n Very good meeting with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz<\/a> at #UNGA<\/a>.<\/p>\n The EU values its partnership with Pakistan.<\/p>\n Our Strategic Engagement Plan reflects both the breadth of this partnership and the shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and civic space.<\/p>\n We work\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/FWPXFBqjKL<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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