Economic Reforms, IMF loan in focus as Pakistan PM Shehbaz meets US envoy Donald Blome

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome held a meeting as the incumbent government continued efforts to secure new loans to address the country’s economic woes.

During the closely watched meeting, PM Sharif and Ambassador Blome shared views on economic reforms that Islamabad intends to undertake with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Economic.

A statement issued by the PM Office said both sides were engaged in a wide range of talks including economic reforms, IMF loans, international cooperation, and Washington’s support in addressing economic challenges.

Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with current bilateral ties between Islamabad and Washington, and he stressed the urge to maintain the positive momentum by regular convening of existing dialogue mechanisms, focused on trade, investment, energy, health, defence, education, agriculture and climate change.

PM Sharif emphasized the government’s focus on macroeconomic reforms to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment. He further highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council SIFC in fast-tracking foreign investments in priority sectors.

Both sides also shed light on regional issues, including Gaza, the Red Sea, Afghanistan, and the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, which was raised by PM.

US envoy expressed support for Pakistan’s democracy and independent press, as well as collaboration on climate change projects under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance framework.

The high level meeting occurred as Pakistan entered the negotiation phase with the IMF for the final review meeting on a $3 billion stand-by agreement. The crisis hit Asia nation expressed its intention for a fresh IMF loan, with the new finance minister planning to engage for a “large” programme under the Extended Fund Facility, exploring all options including climate financing.