Islamabad: Khurram Shahzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other donors have praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for economic development. Speaking on Radio Pakistan’s program ‘Perspective’, Shahzad shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz held a productive and significant meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s focus on economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector and structural reforms across other areas. Shahzad mentioned that the IMF MD supported the Prime Minister’s proposals and requested detailed plans for their implementation. He also highlighted that the Prime Minister updated the IMF MD on the progress of reforms in privatization, civil service restructuring, and government right-sizing. Shahzad emphasized the government’s aim to bring significant reforms in the economic sector, alongside right-sizing government departments.
- Focus Areas for Reforms: The Prime Minister highlighted reforms in energy and structural sectors, including privatization, right-sizing, and civil service restructuring.
- Uraan Pakistan Program: The Uraan Pakistan program aims for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, reflecting the government’s vision for economic uplift.
- Promotion of Solar Energy: The government is encouraging the promotion of solar energy, with incentives aimed at positive climate change impacts.
In response to a question, Shahzad explained that the Uraan Pakistan program is designed to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth. He described it as a reflection of the government’s vision for economic uplift, with the introduction of critical structural reforms. He also pointed out that private sector-led growth would contribute to export surpluses. Additionally, when asked about energy initiatives, Shahzad stated that the government is actively promoting solar energy. He noted that incentivizing the solar energy sector could also have positive impacts on addressing climate change.