IMF delegation meets President Zardari to review economic progress

Delegation said Pakistan's IMF programme is progressing in the right direction.

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A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Jihad Azour, met with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad on Friday to discuss the country’s economic situation and the ongoing IMF programme.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

The President praised the IMF's support for Pakistan, stating the programme had helped stabilise the economy and would further spur growth.

He also acknowledged the IMF’s broader contribution to economic development in emerging markets, noting its vital role in Pakistan’s own progress.

The IMF delegation expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s economic reforms and described the current programme as “moving in the right direction.”

The delegation members emphasised that the program had assisted in reducing inflation and fiscal deficit and strengthening Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

Thanking the IMF for its continued support and cooperation with Pakistan, President Zardari also appreciated the finance ministry for its efforts to improve the national economy.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s resolve to accelerate institutional reforms and consolidate macroeconomic stability, saying Pakistan was now transitioning from recovery to sustained growth.

“With the grace of Allah, Pakistan is now moving from economic stability toward sustainable growth,” Shehbaz Sharif said during a high-level meeting with a delegation from International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Jihad Azour at the PM’s Office.

He emphasised that the government’s top priority was not only to sustain macroeconomic gains but also to expedite comprehensive institutional reforms, crucial for long-term resilience.

Discussions during the meeting centred on the implementation of Pakistan’s current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over progress made and the positive impact of ongoing reforms.

The IMF delegation welcomed the reforms undertaken by Islamabad and assured continued support for Pakistan’s economic stabilisation and inclusive growth agenda.