PM expresses hope of finalizing deal with IMF

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed the hope of finalizing a deal with the International Monetary Fund this month.

In an exclusive interview with Turkish News Agency "Anadolu", he said the ninth review by the IMF will match all terms and conditions and, hopefully, we’ll have some good news this month.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has met each and every requirement of the IMF as prior actions.

On contingency plans in case the IMF talks fall through, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the resilience and fortitude of the Pakistani nation. He said the people of Pakistan have faced challenges in the past, and if needed, will “tighten our belt” and rise again. He asserted that his government has been able to navigate the challenges “in the best possible fashion with the help of the people of Pakistan” and “brotherly and friendly countries.”

Talking about Pakistan-Türkiye relations, the Prime Minister termed them as one soul, two hearts that beat together’

He also congratulated the people of Türkiye on President Erdogan’s reelection, hailing it as a “wonderful development.”

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Türkiye will boost cooperation in the near future to enhance trade and foster mutual growth by focusing on areas such as biogas, solar energy, and hydropower.