Islamabad, November 15, 2023 – Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in a meeting held on Wednesday, reiterated the Pakistani government’s dedication to implementing the reform initiatives outlined in the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The discussions, led by Prime Minister Kakar and attended by IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan Nathan Porter, focused on the concerted efforts aimed at achieving long-term economic stability for Pakistan.
During the meeting, Mr. Nathan Porter, along with IMF Resident Representative for Pakistan Ms. Esther Perez Tuiz, briefed Prime Minister Kakar on the progress made in negotiations at the technical level under the First Review of the Stand by Arrangement (SBA) with the Government of Pakistan.
Nathan Porter acknowledged the substantial efforts made by the Pakistani government in meeting the various quarterly targets outlined in the program. He highlighted that these efforts have led to a positive conclusion of the technical level talks, demonstrating a shared commitment to the economic reform agenda.
Porter stated that the discussions covered a wide range of aspects related to the Stand by Arrangement, emphasizing the extensive nature of the talks. He commended the Finance Minister and her team, as well as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and his team, for their significant contributions to the technical level discussions.
In response, Prime Minister Kakar expressed gratitude to the IMF team for their continued collaboration with Pakistan. He commended the leadership of the Minister for Finance and Revenue, acknowledging the vital role played by her team in advancing the reform program. Additionally, he recognized the efforts of the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, highlighting the importance of cooperation for the successful implementation of economic reforms.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Finance, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, and other senior government officials.
The reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to IMF reforms underscores the government’s dedication to achieving economic stability and fostering a positive environment for sustainable growth. The collaborative efforts between the Pakistani government and the IMF are viewed as crucial steps towards meeting the outlined objectives of the Stand by Arrangement.
