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Pakistan·Trade & Economy·Diplomacy

IMF praises Pakistan's reform progress as finance minister holds wide-ranging talks in Washington[Updated]

Thursday, 16 April 2026, 08:04 · 1 min read
Updates
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Aurangzeb confirmed that an IMF team will visit Pakistan next month for consultations ahead of the programme's upcoming review, with the minister emphasising that securing early board approval for the next tranche remains the government's primary focus. He acknowledged discussing the Iran conflict's potential economic consequences with IMF officials, noting the fund has facilities to support countries affected by global shocks, but stressed that contingency planning — rather than hope — had guided Pakistan's preparations. Aurangzeb welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a meaningful relief, warning that a prolonged conflict would have weighed on everything from growth to inflation.

Sources
Original story

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has commended Pakistan's economic reform efforts following a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, saying that "strong programme implementation has helped Pakistan maintain macroeconomic stability and build confidence." During a packed schedule of over 50 engagements, Aurangzeb also met senior IMF and Asian Development Bank officials, credit rating agency Fitch — which reaffirmed Pakistan's B- rating with a stable outlook — and representatives of major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase and Franklin Templeton, signalling Pakistan's intent to re-enter international capital markets after a four-year absence. The minister additionally briefed counterparts on the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict and outlined Pakistan's plans to diversify its financing through instruments such as Panda Bonds and Eurobonds, with an inaugural Panda Bond issuance targeted for May.

Sources
DawnIMF managing director meets Aurangzeb, hails Pakistan’s reform progress, macroeconomic stability ↗︎
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