Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not expressed any serious concerns over Pakistan’s targeted subsidy of Rs100 per litre during his meeting with the Fund’s managing director on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
Speaking to The Express after meeting IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, the prime minister said he had briefed her in detail on the pressure Pakistan faces and the difficulties confronting low-income people.
“We drew the IMF chief’s attention to the question of where the poor man would go,” the premier said, adding that the targeted subsidy was being distributed through a comprehensive and transparent mechanism.
Earlier this month, PM Shehbaz announced a special relief scheme offering Rs100 per litre off petrol for motorcycles, three-wheeler rickshaws, and cars with engines up to 800cc, in an attempt to shield lower-income consumers from the impact of rising petroleum prices.
Later, in a post on X, the IMF managing director hailed Pakistan’s implementation of reforms, saying they had helped preserve stability, restore confidence and regain market access.
I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz on the margins of #UNGA to discuss Pakistan's reforms. Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence & regain market access. Continued reforms will help lift growth & improve people's lives. pic.twitter.com/jiELSQysYw
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) September 23, 2026
“I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the margins of UNGA to discuss Pakistan’s reforms,” she said.
“Continuing reforms will help boost economic growth and improve the living standards of the people," said the IMF chief.
PM Shehbaz, IMF chief discuss reforms, subsidy: PMO
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz appreciated the IMF’s continued support for Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed his government’s “unwavering commitment” to the successful implementation of the IMF-supported reform programme, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
In meeting with the IMF chief, the prime minister particularly appreciated Georgieva’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s constructive partnership with the Fund.
He reaffirmed the government’s strong ownership of the economic reform agenda and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to maintain the momentum of reforms and advance structural measures aimed at strengthening the economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Pleasure meeting IMF Managing Director Ms. Kristalina Georgieva in New York this morning. I thanked her for the Fund’s continued support and deeply appreciated her personal role in strengthening Pakistan’s constructive partnership with the IMF.
I reaffirmed our Government’s… pic.twitter.com/XKi1Quhh1W
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 23, 2026
“Despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, Pakistan is successfully transitioning from macroeconomic stabilization towards a recovery path, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies,” the prime minister noted.
Highlighting the improvements in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence, the premier cited the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation as examples of Pakistan’s efforts.
He also underscored the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable segments of society alongside maintaining economic reforms.
The IMF managing director appreciated Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and the government’s efforts for economic stabilisation, saying these were yielding tangible results.
The two leaders also discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation between Pakistan and the Fund in advancing reforms, strengthening economic resilience and supporting sustainable growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
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