Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in New York as the lender began Pakistan’s next programme review. Their discussions focused on economic reforms, recovery and protecting vulnerable households.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. An IMF mission started talks with Pakistani authorities the same day. Those discussions cover the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
Georgieva later acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in a post on X.
“Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access. Continued reforms will help lift growth & improve people’s lives.”
Shehbaz pledges continued economic reforms
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz thanked the IMF for its continued support for Pakistan’s economy. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to successfully implementing the IMF-supported reform programme.
He particularly appreciated Georgieva’s personal role in strengthening Pakistan’s constructive partnership with the lender.
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Shehbaz reiterated the government’s ownership of the economic reform agenda and its determination to maintain momentum. He pledged further structural measures to strengthen the economy and lay the foundations for sustainable, inclusive growth.
The prime minister said Pakistan was moving from macroeconomic stabilisation towards recovery despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures. He credited prudent fiscal and monetary policies for supporting that transition.
Tariff changes, revenue and privatisation in focus
Shehbaz highlighted stronger fiscal discipline, improved external buffers and growing investor confidence during the meeting.
He cited the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation as examples of Pakistan’s reform efforts. He also stressed that the government would protect vulnerable groups while maintaining economic reforms.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Georgieva praised Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme. She also acknowledged that the government’s stabilisation efforts were delivering tangible results.
I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz on the margins of #UNGA 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
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) September 23, 2026
Both leaders discussed the forthcoming programme review and continued cooperation on reforms, economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the meeting. Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials also participated.
IMF review follows May funding approval
The talks follow the IMF Executive Board’s completion of Pakistan’s third EFF review and second RSF review on May 8, 2026.
That decision unlocked approximately $1.1 billion under the EFF and $220 million under the RSF. It brought total disbursements under both arrangements to about $4.8 billion.
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The IMF approved Pakistan’s 37-month EFF arrangement on September 25, 2024. Its priorities include rebuilding reserves, broadening the tax base, reforming state-owned enterprises and improving energy sector finances.
The lender subsequently approved the approximately $1.4 billion RSF arrangement in May 2025. That facility supports measures to reduce Pakistan’s exposure to natural disasters and strengthen climate resilience.
