Shehbaz Sharif promises zero violation of IMF deal to Kristalina Georgieva
Business
Top lender’s managing director notes strong partnership between two sides unlike past trust deficit
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reassured IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that he would not tolerate an iota of violation of the agreement reached with the world’s top financial institution.
During a telephonic conversation with the IMF chief, the prime minister said that the incumbent government would remain in office till August [next month] after which an interim setup was going to take over. He was confident that they would continue fulfilling the obligations, he added.
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According to a press release, Shehbaz said he was committed to turn over the economy with the help of IMF and other development partners if the people of Pakistan re-elected them.
Referring to Pakistan’s best quality mangoes, the prime minister said he would be honoured to send a gift of the fruit to her as a token of respect and deep appreciation in case his party returned to power after next elections.
Shehbaz conveyed profound gratitude to Georgieva for her support and assistance in materialising the recently-concluded $3 billion stand-by agreement.
Appreciated the IMF MD for her leadership and professionalism, he also acknowledged that she was felt for the poor and termed her support as invaluable.
Speaking on the occasion, Georgieva said the Prime Minister of Pakistan had built a very convincing case, though the IMF Board was sceptical about the country’s commitment to fulfilling the conditions of agreement due to the past trust deficit.
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However, in the light of her continued engagement with him, she assured the IMF Executive Board that Pakistan would deliver on its commitments as she had personally met the prime minister and seen his seriousness, Georgieva added.
She underlined that a strong partnership and mutual trust had developed between the two parties, while terming Pakistan as an important member of IMF and reassured to continue assisting Pakistan.
In his response, the prime minister praised the IMF chief for her positive approach and frank comments during the interaction with her in Paris, saying the hard work from both sides had eventually paid off.
