NEW YORK CITY (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is nearing the final approval stage of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), having accepted all of its stringent conditions.
Speaking to reporters after attending the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the prime minister stated, “There is an IMF board meeting tomorrow. We have fulfilled all their very strict conditions.”
He expressed gratitude to China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for their support, emphasizing that their assistance was crucial for achieving this milestone.
The premier said that some of the IMF’s conditions involved collaboration with China, which has consistently supported Pakistan. He is scheduled to meet with IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva soon.
Sources from the Ministry of Finance indicated that the IMF executive board will meet today, where approval for Pakistan’s loan is anticipated.
The prime minister highlighted his government’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and stated that, through collective efforts, improvements in economic indicators are already being observed.
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In a separate engagement, PM Shehbaz met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, congratulating him on his compelling address to the UNGA, which focused on the Palestinian crisis.
He remarked that Erdogan’s passionate speech resonated deeply with those present at the assembly.
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Erdogan criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza and called for an “alliance of humanity” to halt its aggression, lamenting the decline of UN values and the hopes for a fairer world.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the strong ties between Pakistan and Turkey, announcing that President Erdogan plans to visit Pakistan soon.
