Islamabad (TDI): Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday held a meeting with a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to review Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, discuss preparations for the upcoming federal budget, and assess ongoing reform efforts aimed at ensuring economic stability and sustainable growth.
Both sides focused on stabilisation measures, fiscal planning, and structural reforms designed to strengthen external and fiscal sustainability while supporting long-term economic resilience.
The discussions also covered ways to maintain reform momentum and improve investment conditions, productivity, and export-led growth within a balanced policy framework.
The finance minister thanked the IMF for its continued engagement with Pakistan, including recent discussions held during the Spring Meetings in Washington.
He also briefed the delegation on positive trends in the external sector, noting improvements in remittances and export performance. He said recent data showed growth in exports on both monthly and annual bases, reflecting gradual strengthening in economic fundamentals.
Read More: Pakistan Receives $1.32bn IMF Tranche: SBP
Aurangzeb acknowledged that while stabilisation efforts were showing progress, Pakistan still faces structural challenges, particularly related to external financing pressures and the need to accelerate sustainable growth.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to deepening reforms aimed at avoiding recurring economic cycles and instead promoting long-term stability through productivity gains, deregulation, and improved export competitiveness.
The minister further stated that the reform program is being implemented in consultation with international experts and is part of a broader economic transformation strategy endorsed at the highest level.
The IMF mission was also briefed on Pakistan’s ongoing cooperation with international partners, including China, particularly in relation to long-term investment and development initiatives aligned with national priorities, according to media reports.
The IMF delegation, led by Iva Petrova, acknowledged progress made by Pakistan and appreciated the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and reform implementation.
Read More: Aurangzeb Hails China’s Role in Strengthening Pakistan’s IMF Engagement
It also stressed the importance of sustaining reform efforts and advancing structural changes to support inclusive and durable growth.
Senior officials including the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Finance Secretary, and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue attended the meeting.
The talks came shortly after Pakistan received around $1.3 billion from the IMF under its Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility programs following the completion of the third review.
