IMF chief satisfied with Pak economic reform

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, voiced approval of Pakistan's reform drive. Citing Arab News, The Express Tribune reported that she linked the government's efforts under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to macroeconomic stability. In her account, the changes have strengthened fiscal discipline, improved external reserves and boosted investor confidence.

Georgieva pointed to a new national tariff policy, rising domestic revenues and progress on privatisation as examples of the country's efforts. She also noted that Pakistan has regained entry to international financial markets. Continued reforms, she argued, could speed up growth and raise living standards.

The remarks coincided with the start of IMF talks on the fourth review of the $7 billion economic programme, alongside discussions on the third review of the $1.4 billion climate resilience programme. If both reviews are completed successfully, roughly $1.2 billion in financing could follow, comprising about $1 billion from the economic programme and $200 million from the climate facility. Both reviews will test how far Pakistan has moved on reform pledges under the two arrangements.