IMF Praises Pakistan’s Steady Economic Progress Under Reform Plan
- IMF says Pakistan’s economic progress under the EFF programme has been strong.
- Early policy steps helped restore stability and boost investor confidence.
- Pakistan is making progress on climate reforms through the IMF’s RSF support.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged Pakistan’s steady progress under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), with IMF Resident Representative Mahir Binici stating that the country’s performance has been “strong so far” and expressing optimism about its economic growth outlook for 2025.
Binici shared these views during a guest lecture at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), where he addressed economists, researchers, and policy experts on economic trends across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region, and Pakistan.
Also Read:
He highlighted that early policy measures adopted by Pakistan have helped restore macroeconomic stability and rebuild investor confidence despite persistent external pressures. The IMF official pointed to the successful completion of the programme’s first review by the IMF Executive Board in May 2025 as a key milestone in Pakistan’s economic recovery.
Looking ahead, Binici underscored the importance of structural reforms to ensure long-term sustainability. He emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance tax equity, improve the business climate, and encourage private-sector-led investment.
Binici also commended Pakistan’s progress on climate reforms under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), designed to help countries build resilience against climate vulnerabilities and align with global environmental commitments. Key focus areas under the RSF include better planning for public investments, sustainable water management, disaster preparedness financing, and enhancing the transparency of climate-related data.
“Support through the RSF will not only strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience but also help unlock green investments and promote a more climate-conscious economic future,” Binici said.
He also cautioned that challenges such as geopolitical fragmentation, trade tensions, and declining global cooperation continue to pose risks to the global outlook, urging countries to adopt prudent and forward-looking policies.
SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri welcomed Binici’s remarks, stressing the value of multilateral cooperation and informed economic dialogue in achieving sustainable growth in Pakistan.
The lecture concluded with an interactive session focusing on fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, strengthening external buffers, and the role of international institutions in supporting inclusive development.
Pakistan and the IMF had reached a staff-level agreement in March under the EFF programme, which aims to restore economic stability while facilitating structural reforms across key sectors.
Read all the Breaking News Live on pakistantimes.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Pakistan Times. Follow us on Whatsapp channel for more.
