PM meets IMF chief for third time to secure deal

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to complete the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the deadline looms.

The PML-N said the prime minister held a third meeting with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Paris before his departure for London.

PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the IMF chief for considering economic realities of Pakistan. He said Pakistan is determined to fulfill its all commitments with the global financial institution.

The prime minister said Pakistan values the world’s support to overcome severe economic challenges. He said inevitable measures will have to be taken to overcome the economic crisis of the last four years.

He said floods last year increased the troubles for the country but the government provided relief to the people. He said government desires to maintain balance between providing relief and realizing the economic realities of the country.

He assured the Managing Director that Pakistan will continue to fulfill its commitment with international community. The IMF chief appreciated the commitment of the prime minister for Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Paris last week on a two-day trip to attend the New Global Financial Pact Summit. He met the IMF chief on the sidelines of the conference and urged the lender to unlock stalled funds as Pakistan has met all conditions.

After the meeting, the prime minister said that Pakistan keenly looks forward to the IMF’s Executive Board’s approval for the 9th review at the earliest.

“It was a pleasure to meet you and have a productive exchange of views on the IMF’s continued engagement with Pakistan,” said the prime minister in a tweet.

He assured that the government is fully committed to the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) that is set to expire this month.

“Though all prior actions for the 9th Review have been completed, we are willing to take further steps jointly with IMF. Pakistan keenly looks forward to IMF Board’s approval for the 9th Review at the earliest,” said the PM.