Pakistan and IMF discuss growth, reforms

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s federal finance minister, met with Jihad Azour, director of the International Monetary Fund’s Middle East and Central Asia department, to review the country’s economic performance and reform agenda. The two sides examined recent progress on revenue collection, inflation, growth and the current‑account balance, noting Pakistan’s resilience in the face of regional conflict. They discussed plans for energy procurement, winter preparedness and the provision of sufficient fertilizer to protect food security. Topics also included extending loan maturities, reducing external repayment obligations, lowering future foreign‑exchange liabilities and bolstering reserves.

Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding social spending while achieving primary surpluses, cutting public debt and implementing growth‑friendly tax reforms. To enhance resilience and creditworthiness, both parties highlighted the need for export‑driven growth, greater private‑sector participation and privatization initiatives. They stressed the importance of maintaining reform momentum, securing political backing and communicating effectively, underscoring the link between national security and economic stability.