IMF Chief Praises Pakistan Reforms as Program Reviews Begin
Kristalina Georgieva credits fiscal discipline and rebuilt reserves for restoring investor confidence, as the IMF opens its fourth EFF review with $1.2 billion potentially on the table.
IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva praises Pakistan's reform programme as the fourth EFF review begins, with $1.2 billion in potential financing at stake.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has expressed satisfaction with Pakistan's economic reform programme, saying sustained implementation of reforms can support faster economic growth and improve living standards. In an interview with Arab News, she pointed to improvements in fiscal discipline, external financial reserves and investor confidence, while noting that Pakistan has regained access to global financial markets.
What's Driving the Praise
Georgieva said the robust reform programme being implemented by PM Shehbaz Sharif's government had helped maintain economic stability and restore confidence in Pakistan. According to the report, reform efforts include a new national tariff system, increased domestic revenue mobilisation, and progress in the privatisation process.
New Program Reviews Now Underway
The IMF has initiated discussions for the fourth review of Pakistan's $7 billion Extended Fund Facility programme, alongside the third review of the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The IMF's published schedule identifies September 2026 as the timing for the fourth EFF review.
The Money on the Table
Successful completion of both reviews could pave the way for approximately $1.2 billion in financing — around $1 billion under the EFF and about $200 million under the RSF. Pakistan previously accessed roughly $1.1 billion under the EFF and $220 million under the RSF following its third and second reviews in May.
Shehbaz Reaffirms Commitment
The reform agenda was also discussed during PM Shehbaz Sharif's meeting with Georgieva in New York, where he reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to implementing the IMF-supported programme.
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