Washington (TDI): Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has praised China’s continued support for Pakistan, particularly its role in facilitating Islamabad’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo’an.
The meeting took place in Washington, on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026, where global financial leaders gathered to discuss economic challenges and policy coordination.
During the discussion, Aurangzeb expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding support and acknowledged the constructive role played by China’s representatives at the IMF in advancing Pakistan’s programme.
He briefed the Chinese finance minister on Pakistan’s progress under the IMF programme, highlighting the staff-level agreement reached for the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). He noted that final approval from the IMF Executive Board is expected in early May.
Read More: Aurangzeb Engages Global Leaders at IMF–World Bank Meetings to Boost Pakistan’s Economy
Aurangzeb also shared updates on Pakistan’s plan to issue its first Panda bond, part of a broader strategy to diversify funding sources and strengthen access to international capital markets.
He reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the establishment of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Development Bank, especially as the country prepares to assume the SCO presidency later this year.
On the sidelines of the meetings, the finance minister also held talks with representatives of global ratings agency Moody’s. He assured them that Pakistan has met its external debt obligations, including Eurobond repayments, and continues to honor its commitments to creditors.
He highlighted financial support from Saudi Arabia as an important factor in strengthening Pakistan’s external position and outlined plans to return to international markets through instruments such as Eurobonds and innovative financing tools.
Read More: Aurangzeb Says Pakistan Exploring Multiple Financing Options to Replace $3.5bn UAE Loan
Aurangzeb also met the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng, where he sought expedited approval for Pakistan’s Panda bond issuance. He thanked China for its continued economic support and discussed measures taken by Pakistan to manage the economic impact of ongoing regional tensions, including targeted subsidies and supply chain management.
In addition, the finance minister addressed global investors at a JP Morgan seminar focused on Pakistan’s economic outlook. He, along with State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, briefed participants on economic reforms, financial stability, and strategies to manage energy and inflation pressures.
Aurangzeb is expected to hold more than 50 high-level meetings during his visit to Washington.
Separately, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva acknowledged Pakistan’s progress on economic reforms and improving macroeconomic stability during a meeting with the finance minister, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s policy direction.
