PM Shehbaz apprises IMF chief of improving economic indicators on WEF's sidelines

Aurangzeb reviews economic reform agenda with ADB president; FM Dar inaugurates Pakistan pavilion

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif apprised International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva about Pakistan's improving economic indicators in a meeting on the World Economic Forum's (WEF) sidelines on Wednesday.

PM Shehbaz arrived in Switzerland a day ago to attend the WEF's 56th Annual Meeting and is scheduled to have a busy day of engagements. He is set to participate in an informal meeting of world leaders themed “The Importance of Dialogue in a Divided Global Landscape”.

A post on X by state broadcaster PTV News said the premier met the IMF chief and informed her about the improvements in Pakistan's macroeconomic indicators, efforts for stability and progress on institutional reforms.

"He emphasised Pakistan's commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation and sustainable development. The IMF managing director acknowledged Pakistan's reform efforts and commended them. She stressed the importance of maintaining the pace of reforms to ensure long-term economic resilience. Both sides exchanged views on the global economic outlook, challenges facing emerging economies, and the importance of multilateral cooperation in preserving economic stability," the post said.

وزیراعظم کی آئی ایم ایف کے ایم ڈی کرسٹالینا جارجیوا سے ملاقات

وزیراعظم محمد شہبازشریف نے عالمی اقتصادی فورم کے 56ویں سالانہ اجلاس کے موقع پر آج سوئٹزرلینڈ کے شہر ڈیووس میں انٹرنیشنل مانیٹری فنڈ کی منیجنگ ڈائریکٹر کرسٹالینا جارجیوا سے ملاقات کی۔

وزیراعظم نے منیجنگ ڈائریکٹر کو… pic.twitter.com/VIyP9MtgZY

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 21, 2026

He earlier kicked off his engagements at the WEF with a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

A post on X by state broadcaster PTV News said the Palestinian premier expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its “consistent, principled and unwavering support” for the Palestinian people, and thanked Islamabad for backing Palestine’s position at international forums. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in advocating the Palestinian cause globally.

ورلڈ اکنامک فورم کے موقع پر وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے فلسطین کے وزیراعظم محمد مصطفیٰ کی ملاقات

فلسطین کے وزیراعظم محمد مصطفیٰ خود چل کر وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کے پاس آئے اور اپنا تعارف کروایا

فلسطین کے وزیراعظم نے فلسطینی عوام کے لئے پاکستان کی مستقل، اصولی اور غیر متزلزل… pic.twitter.com/N6fCNXVCyY

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 21, 2026

The WEF is a Swiss-based non-governmental organisation that brings together leaders from the political, business, academic, and cultural sectors to discuss global issues. The annual conference, held in Davos, serves as a platform for world leaders and executives to address economic challenges, global policies, and innovative solutions. The event is taking place from Monday to Friday.

During his stay, PM Shehbaz is also expected to meet the International Monetary Fund's managing director and hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the WEF, focusing on global economic challenges, regional stability and Pakistan’s reform agenda.

The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.

Read: PM Shehbaz departs for Davos to attend WEF Annual Meeting

Finance minister meets ADB chief

Separately, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda in Davos on the forum's sidelines, where the two sides reviewed Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, macroeconomic stabilisation and the strengthening of their long-standing development partnership.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met ADB President Mr. Masato Kanda today in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, macroeconomic stabilization, and strengthening the… pic.twitter.com/V63qh55BkP

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026

The finance minister pointed to what he described as improving economic indicators, saying inflation was easing, policy rates were coming down, foreign exchange reserves were strengthening and investor confidence was picking up.

He also briefed the ADB president on progress in structural reforms, particularly privatisation and greater private sector participation, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining reforms.

Kanda welcomed the progress, saying the bank “remains fully committed to supporting Pakistan’s reform agenda” and underscored continued cooperation in energy sector reforms, sustainable development initiatives and improved access to international capital markets.

The finance minister also met Menzies Aviation Chairperson Hassan El Houry and shared the government’s reform and privatisation agenda, including progress related to Pakistan International Airlines and plans to outsource operations at major airports in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairperson of Menzies Aviation, in Davos to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation in Pakistan’s aviation sector.

The Finance Minister shared the government’s reform and… pic.twitter.com/cgKObPnE7Q

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026

Another meeting was held with Visa Group President Oliver Jenkyn focusing on strengthening collaboration in digital payments, financial innovation and supporting Pakistan’s transition toward a modern, digitally enabled economy.

"Both sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape and engagement with global payment networks. Jenkyn reaffirmed Visa’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, highlighting the company’s interest in supporting the next phase of growth through innovation, secure payment solutions and knowledge transfer. He emphasised the global shift toward digital payments and the importance of clear and consistent policies to enable innovation at scale."

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met Mr. Oliver Jenkyn, Group President of Visa, today in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in digital payments, financial innovation, and… pic.twitter.com/NMy6JytP4b

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026

Aurangzeb also met his Kuwaiti counterpart, who expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and reaffirmed his country’s strong regard for Pakistan and its people.

He further highlighted Kuwait’s interest in expanding investments beyond traditional markets and viewed Pakistan as a promising destination, supported by its human capital, growing market, and emerging opportunities.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met H.E. Subaih Abdul Aziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Finance of the State of Kuwait, today in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s economic outlook and ways to… pic.twitter.com/iHt9hgezRT

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026

FM Dar meets other diplomats, inaugurates Pakistan pavilion

Meanwhile, FM Dar inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the WEF's sidelines. 

He appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic potential and emerging opportunities on a global platform, while "highlighting the dynamism and innovation of Pakistani start-ups", said a press release from his office.

FM Dar underscored the critical role of start-ups in advancing socio-economic development and driving innovation across diverse sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating and promoting entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly those led by youth, to fully realise Pakistan’s economic potential.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the #WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in #Davos.

DPM/FM appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic… pic.twitter.com/bjfzGnvCvs

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026

He also met his counterparts from Finland and Canada 

On the sidelines of the 26th #WorldEconomicForum @wef in #Davos, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met H.E. Elina Valtonen, Foreign Minister of Finland.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen & expand Pak-Finland… pic.twitter.com/UvKGIWduY2

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with the Canadian FM Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP today on the sidelines of #WEF26 at #Davos today.

The two sides engaged in a fruitful discussion and agreed to explore ways to enhance… pic.twitter.com/Er0BcaDsuU

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026