Aurangzeb Reaffirms Commitment to Completing IMF Programme

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb participated in the Bank of America Small Talks Symposium on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, October 15. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to completing the IMF programme and sustaining policy credibility beyond it.

Key Points

• Markets and debt: He highlighted Pakistan’s renewed access to international markets and efforts to replace costly, short-term debt with longer-maturity financing.

• External position: He outlined improving external indicators, stronger foreign exchange reserves and positive net international reserves under the IMF definition.

• Reforms: Discussions covered tax administration reforms, broadening the tax base, privatisation and growing investor interest.

• Growth: He emphasised sustainable, export-led growth through tariff reforms, competitive inputs and targeted financing.

• Resilience and partnerships: He outlined measures to manage external pressures, including regional conflict, energy prices and climate shocks, while strengthening trade and investment partnerships.