ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva declined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to attend Climate Resilient Pakistan Conference in Geneva, however, showed willingness to attend moot virtually. PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to Georgieva to participate in conference in Geneva, IMF Chief thanked for invitation but explained that as IMF board meetings had been prefixed for January 9-10, “She will only be able to join conference virtually”, statement issued by Prime Minister’s Office said. “Georgieva called PM Shehbaz over telephone and expressed her deep sympathy and concern on human and material losses due to recent floods and reiterated her commitment to helping Pakistan in this difficult period,” it added.

Premier thanked her for concern about fallout of floods and assured her that Pakistan is “Committed to successfully completing ongoing IMF programme”. Earlier today, PM Shehbaz said an IMF delegation was slated to visit Pakistan in two-three days to “Take up and finalise” ninth review of economy to unstick direly needed bailout tranche of $ 1.1 billion. “I spoke to Georgieva and emphasised that Pakistan wishes to complete IMF bailout programme,” he said during an address at inauguration ceremony of Hazara Electric Supply Company. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar discussed the forthcoming donor conference in Geneva during a virtual meeting with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Jin Liqun. The Ministry of Finance, in a statement issued in this regard, said that Dar apprised the AIIB president of damages caused by the rain-induced floods in Pakistan and its impact on the economy.

“The finance minister highlighted the economic outlook of the country and said that the present government inherited a weak economic legacy but is focusing on fixing things in the right direction and is introducing reforms in all sectors to achieve economic growth and development,” the statement read. Dar claimed that due to pragmatic measures taken by the government, “the country is destined for progress and development.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 07 2023

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