PTBP Web Desk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction on Wednesday following the staff-level agreement (SLA) reached between Pakistani authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The agreement, under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), involves funding worth $1.2 billion aimed at supporting Pakistan’s economic recovery and macroeconomic stability.
In an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that the SLA reflects Pakistan’s improved economic performance and signifies the IMF’s confidence in the country’s rapidly strengthening macroeconomic indicators.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the IMF’s satisfaction with Pakistan’s economic growth momentum and ongoing institutional reforms highlights the Fund’s trust in the government’s policies. According to the PMO, the SLA represents a crucial milestone for Pakistan’s engagement with international financial institutions and demonstrates the effectiveness of the government’s economic stabilization measures.
Under the agreement, the IMF and Pakistani authorities reached a staff-level consensus on the second review of Pakistan’s 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the first review of the 28-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
“The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board,” the IMF said in an official statement on Wednesday. “Once approved, Pakistan will gain access to approximately $1.0 billion (SDR 760 million) under the EFF and $200 million (SDR 154 million) under the RSF. This will bring total disbursements under both arrangements to around $3.3 billion.”
PM Shehbaz Sharif praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Minister of State for Finance, the Finance Secretary, and their entire team for their efforts, which led to the successful conclusion of the staff-level agreement.
“The government’s dedication and the finance team’s expertise have been crucial in securing the IMF’s confidence,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the agreement reflects Pakistan’s commitment to implementing structural reforms, strengthening fiscal discipline, and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
The agreement is viewed as a significant vote of confidence from the IMF in Pakistan’s economic policies and reform agenda. It provides a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, supports ongoing economic stabilization efforts, and ensures liquidity for meeting domestic and external obligations.
Experts say the IMF staff-level agreement also signals that Pakistan is making tangible progress in areas such as taxation reforms, energy sector improvements, and governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). These reforms are considered essential for long-term sustainable economic growth.
In his statement, PM Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the government’s resolve to continue implementing policies aimed at sustaining growth, promoting investment, and enhancing Pakistan’s economic resilience.
“The economy is moving in the right direction,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure progress, prosperity, and stability in the country.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s improved macroeconomic indicators, including fiscal consolidation and controlled inflation, are a direct result of the government’s strategic reforms and prudent financial management.
The staff-level agreement is also expected to improve investor confidence, as it demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to sound economic governance and adherence to international financial standards. Analysts say the agreement could attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage multilateral and bilateral financial cooperation.
By successfully completing reviews under the EFF and RSF, Pakistan signals to the global community that it is committed to financial discipline, sustainable growth, and long-term economic reforms.
The staff-level agreement is pending final approval from the IMF Executive Board, after which Pakistan will formally receive the agreed disbursements. Once funds are released, they will contribute to economic stabilization, support development projects, and strengthen Pakistan’s financial resilience amid global economic challenges.
