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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the World Bank Group&rsquo;s valuable support, which has been instrumental in advancing the country&rsquo;s economic development and reforms, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Monday. He was talking to World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga, who called on him at the PM House. Sharif <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/come-and-visit-us-pakistan-sees-market-at-the-cusp-of-transformation" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">welcomed </a>Ajay Banga on his first official visit as president of the WBG. The prime minister appreciated the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-missing-60bn-export-potential-warns-world-bank" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">WBG </a>for its long-standing partnership with Pakistan and its commitment to supporting the country&rsquo;s development priorities, especially through the 10-year World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF). Impactful development partnerThe premier also appreciated Banga&rsquo;s leadership in transforming the WBG into a more impactful development partner. He stated that the government was vigorously working on an economic reform agenda with a multi-pronged, comprehensive, structural, homegrown program aimed at sustainable economic stability. The prime minister appreciated the support of the WBG in resilient infrastructure, agribusiness, digital development, energy, human capital, fiscal reforms, and increasing productive private investment for job creation and growth. PM Shehbaz and Banga reiterated the need to fast-track implementation and ensure strong oversight to deliver impact at speed and scale on CPF-aligned priorities. These measures would duly assist the prime minister&rsquo;s initiative to address and resolve implementation bottlenecks in development projects. Commitment to structural reformsThe prime minister expressed the government&rsquo;s commitment to structural reforms that would unlock job-rich growth and further strengthen investor confidence. Banga expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for his reception and hospitality in Pakistan. Banga commended the Government of Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing reform efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening cooperation through a One World Bank Group approach. He added that greater leverage of private resources, in addition to strong coordination with development partners, was necessary to meet the ambitions of the government&rsquo;s reform agenda.

Economy

The prime minister appreciates the support of the WBG in resilient infrastructure, agribusiness, digital development, energy, human capital, fiscal reforms, and increasing productive private investment for job creation and growth.

PM Sharif lauds World Bank support for Pakistan’s economic development, reforms

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.

Europe

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 "Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif"

PM Sharif lauds World Bank support for Pakistan’s economic development, reforms

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

PM Sharif lauds World Bank support for Pakistan’s economic development, reforms