ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva today (Tuesday) in Dubai, just weeks before the March 3 review talks for Pakistan’s $1 billion second loan tranche.
The high-stakes meeting will take place on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, where global leaders, policymakers, and private sector figures are gathering to discuss governance, innovation, and international cooperation. Pakistan requested the meeting, but its agenda remains undisclosed.
This marks the third meeting between PM Shehbaz and Georgieva in the past 10 months. The prime minister, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, departed for a two-day official visit to the UAE on Monday. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is expected to join upon his return from Lisbon.
The talks come at a time when Pakistan is under pressure from the real estate sector to reduce transaction taxes and from businesses to ease economic restrictions. Meanwhile, teachers and salaried individuals are protesting heavy taxation, including the withdrawal of a 25% income tax rebate.
Pakistan and the IMF will conduct loan review talks from March 3-14 in Islamabad. Despite concerns over FBR’s performance and pending amendments to the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, authorities remain optimistic. Compliance with budget surplus targets and provincial tax increases has strengthened Pakistan’s position.
An IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnosis Mission is currently in Pakistan, holding discussions with regulatory bodies. Its findings, set for publication in July, may introduce additional loan conditions beyond the existing 40 economic reforms.
Story by Shahbaz Rana
