The Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bahador Bijani, acknowledged a positive trend in the economic landscape of Pakistan, highlighting the effective measures taken by the authorities.
The statement was made during an event hosted by Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, bringing together representatives from key international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) at Pakistan House.
Expressing optimism, Bijani highlighted Pakistan’s significance regionally and globally, asserting that the nation merits enhanced prospects.
This observation coincides with Pakistan’s current status under a caretaker government while participating in an ongoing IMF programme.
Nathan Porter, IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan, addressed the assembly of over 40 IFI representatives, expressing contentment with the recently concluded staff-level agreement.
Porter praised the interim government’s actions and policies, underscoring their dedication to steering the country towards stability. He expressed the hope that this foundation would enable the pursuit of reforms for a more robust, prosperous, and inclusive Pakistan.
Porter further commended the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for its cooperative efforts and policies aimed at ensuring fiscal stability in the country.
Athanasios Arvanitis, Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF expressed optimism that the upcoming elections in February would bring about the necessary reforms for Pakistan’s progress.
Syed Ali Abbas, Advisor Mission Chief UK, European Department at the IMF, echoed similar sentiments, anticipating a more enduring approach following the successful completion of the electoral process.
Ambassador Masood Khan underscored the transformative impact of Pakistan’s economic digitization, emphasising the emergence of new opportunities for the youth and professionals in steering the nation towards a promising future.
Khan asserted that Pakistan, as a nation of talented individuals, has the potential for significant accomplishments.
The statement aligns with earlier commendations from Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, who lauded the Pakistani government for its adept handling of economic stability and timely implementation of reforms earlier this month.
