IMF chief thanks Pakistan for assistance with Kabul evacuation

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has expressed “deep and sincere gratitude” for Pakistan’s assistance in the safe and swift evacuation of the organisation’s personnel and their families from Afghanistan.

In a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, Georgieva wrote that the "instrumental roles" played by Pakistan’s ministers of foreign affairs, finance, and defence, as well as State Bank of Pakistan Governor Reza Baqir, were much appreciated.

"Pakistan’s efforts at the highest levels, amid immensely difficult and complex circumstances, to help the Fund by securing a corridor to the airport and arranging the convoy that included our staff, were absolutely critical to this successful evacuation," the IMF chief wrote.

Georgieva extended her very best wishes to the prime minister and the Pakistani citizens, saying the IMF was "grateful" for the partnership with Pakistan and looked forward to continuing cooperation.

Read Seven killed in crowd near Kabul airport

On Friday, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) airlifted 350 more people from Kabul to Islamabad as part of its massive evacuation efforts to bring back those, wishing to leave Afghanistan after the takeover by the Taliban.

The passengers ferried by the PIA with the support of the Pakistan embassy and local authorities included around 250 staff members of the World Bank and IMF. Others included foreigners and local Afghans attached with international organisations.

Pakistan is facilitating diplomatic staff and other foreigners in Kabul in leaving the country on the directive of the prime minister. The government is also working on helping international journalists in the evacuation process.