Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet today with leaders from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. His meetings coincide with the IMF board reviewing Pakistan’s extended loan facility request.
IMF and World Bank Discussions
PM Sharif is hopeful about finalizing a new IMF package today. He has highlighted the essential role of allied nations in arranging this meeting. He will meet IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Julie Kozack, the IMF’s Director of Strategic Communications, confirmed the board meeting. She noted it followed Pakistan securing necessary financing from development partners. Despite rumours, Pakistani diplomats have assured that the loan deal is secure, emphasizing the importance of these high-level discussions. The IMF is considering a $7 billion loan agreement with Pakistan, conditional on securing bilateral financing.
UN General Assembly Engagements
Before these critical financial discussions, PM Sharif arrived in New York on Monday to participate in the UN General Assembly. On Tuesday, he met Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, reaffirming commitments to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif Attends UNGA 79th Session in New York
Over the next few days, PM Sharif will engage in discussions with global leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Although multiple interactions with US President Joe Biden are expected, a direct meeting is not scheduled.
A key meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is also on today’s agenda.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar spoke on Tuesday about the need for lasting solutions to the Palestinian and Kashmir conflicts for global peace. PM Sharif has been advocating for pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. He also called for a Gaza ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s actions.
During his UN speeches, Tarar emphasized that PM Sharif will focus on the Kashmir issue and climate change.
Pakistan supports the UN’s ‘Pact for the Future’, vital for global reform. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif spoke at the Summit of the Future, stressing the need for actionable measures on global challenges. He highlighted the pact’s focus on sustainable development and peace. He urged easing major power tensions and was cautious about expanding the UN Security Council’s permanent membership to prevent paralysis, suggesting more elected non-permanent members to ensure inclusivity.
