Saqib Tanveer

DAVOS: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as &ldquo;a man of his word,&rdquo; endorsing Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to politically difficult economic reforms under its IMF program.&nbsp;Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital on the final day of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Georgieva said Pakistan&rsquo;s government had demonstrated seriousness in implementing reforms agreed with the Fund. &nbsp;&ldquo;The Pakistani government has embraced serious reforms and the fruits of action are already there,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We are finally seeing the budget discipline bringing resources that can be deployed to improve lives of people.&rdquo;&nbsp;Georgieva said the IMF was encouraged by the pace and intent of implementation, signalling continuity in engagement with Islamabad.&nbsp;&ldquo;I very much look forward to continuing the implementation of the program that is the Pakistani program, the IMF,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;The IMF chief spoke in personal terms about her interactions with Sharif, underscoring trust between the two sides.&nbsp;&ldquo;I highly respect the Prime Minister. He is serious. When he gives his word that something would be done, it gets done,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;Describing recent meetings, Georgieva noted a focus on accountability and follow-through. &ldquo;We have been in meetings many times,&rdquo; she told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;We always use time effectively to identify where progress is made, where there is still more work to do.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;And that was exactly the case this time.&rdquo;&nbsp;She concluded by commending the government&rsquo;s resolve to press ahead with reforms despite domestic pressures. &ldquo;So, my high respect for the seriousness of the Prime Minister and his cabinet to carry forward difficult reforms for the betterment of Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;Her remarks signal continued IMF confidence in Pakistan&rsquo;s reform trajectory, even as the country grapples with inflation, fiscal tightening, and the social costs of stabilization measures.

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Kristalina Georgieva praises Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Davos, citing serious reforms, budget discipline, and continued confidence in Pakistan’s IMF-backed economic programme.

Articles tagged with "Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva"

IMF chief calls PM Sharif ‘man of word,’ lauds Pakistan for undertaking difficult reforms