IMF chief praises PM as a 'man of words'
International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva gestures as she speaks during the final day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 23, 2026. Photo: AFP
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised the government on Friday for "seriously" embracing reforms under its programme requirements, saying it was already yielding results.
Speaking to 'Pakistan TV Digital' on the sidelines of the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Georgieva said: "Pakistani government has seriously embraced reforms and the fruits of action are already there.
"We are finally seeing the budget discipline bringing resources that can be deployed to improve lives of people."
She said she looked forward to the continued implementation of the programme, describing it as a Pakistani programme.
Georgieva said the IMF had maintained constructive engagement with Pakistan for some time and expressed respect for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling him serious. "When he gives his word that something would be done, it gets done," she added.
آئی ایم ایف کی ایم ڈی کرسٹالینا جارجیوا کی پاکستان ٹی وی ڈیجیٹل سے گفتگو
پاکستانی حکومت نے اصلاحات کو سنجیدگی سے اختیار کیا ہے
اصلاحاتی اقدامات کے ثمرات واضح طور پر سامنے آ رہے ہیں
ہم بالآخر ایسا بجٹ دیکھ رہے ہیں جو وسائل فراہم کر رہا ہے
وسائل کو عوام کی زندگیاں بہتر بنانے کے… pic.twitter.com/e6bUZHO441Georgieva further said that meetings with the Pakistani leadership had been productive, with discussions focused on identifying areas of progress as well as those requiring further work, adding that the same approach was adopted during the latest engagement.
The IMF chief also praised the seriousness of the prime minister and his cabinet in carrying forward difficult reforms for the country's betterment.
Her remarks came a day after PM Shehbaz met Georgieva on the sidelines of the WEF and briefed her on Pakistan's improving economic indicators.
The premier informed the IMF managing director about improvements in macroeconomic indicators, efforts towards stability and progress on institutional reforms. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation and sustainable development.
The IMF managing director acknowledged Pakistan's reform efforts and commended the progress made, while stressing the importance of maintaining the pace of reforms to ensure long-term economic resilience.
The two sides also exchanged views on the global economic outlook, challenges facing emerging economies and the importance of multilateral cooperation in maintaining economic stability.