A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), headed by Jihad Azour, held discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad on Friday to review Pakistan’s economic trajectory and evaluate progress under the ongoing IMF programme.
The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and other senior officials.
President Zardari appreciated the IMF’s continued backing, highlighting that the programme had been instrumental in stabilising the economy and could further accelerate growth. He also recognized the IMF’s broader contributions to emerging economies, noting its essential role in Pakistan’s development.
The IMF team expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s reform efforts, describing the programme as being “on the right track.” They noted positive outcomes, including a reduction in inflation and fiscal deficits, as well as stronger foreign exchange reserves.
President Zardari thanked the IMF for its sustained cooperation and acknowledged the efforts of the finance ministry in strengthening Pakistan’s economic standing.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with the IMF delegation at the PM’s Office. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking institutional reforms and securing long-term economic resilience.
“With Allah’s blessing, Pakistan is now transitioning from stability to sustainable growth,” the Prime Minister remarked during the high-level dialogue.
He underscored the importance of maintaining macroeconomic gains while pushing forward with structural reforms. Both sides praised the progress achieved and the reforms’ positive impact.
The IMF reiterated its support for Pakistan’s ongoing stabilisation measures and inclusive growth objectives.
