Islamabad, Sep 27 (Agency) On the fringes of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), media reports said. The PM’s Office said in statement on Thursday that during the discussion, the prime minister expressed gratitude toward the IMF for helping to conclude the successful staff-level agreement (SLA) for Pakistan’s $7 billion, 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which was authorised on Wednesday.Shehbaz emphasised the government’s dedication to enacting institutional changes and encouraging the expansion of the private sector. The technical support and capacity-building initiatives of the IMF, which have been crucial in fortifying Pakistan’s institutions and enhancing its economic governance, were also commended. Reiterating the organisation’s support for Pakistan’s efforts, Georgieva stressed the significance of preserving macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
In order to maintain economic stability and advance sustainable development, the two leaders decided to intensify their collaboration between the IMF and the Pakistani government. The PM Office’s media wing claimed that the two leaders’ discussions included bilateral ties, regional challenges, and global topics of shared concern. In addition, PM Shehbaz had a meeting on the fringes of the UNGA with Ajaypal Singh Banga, the president of the World Bank, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The PM expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s ongoing assistance in helping Pakistan implement important economic reforms and deal with its financial issues, which include developing the nation’s infrastructure and reducing poverty. In line with Vision 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, the PM and the president of the World Bank reiterated their commitment to seeing through Pakistan’s development objectives.