Islamabad: IMF resident representative for Pakistan, Mahir Binici, says Pakistan’s performance as part of prolonged funding (EFF) has been “strong so far” and expresses the hope that its economic growth will be strengthened this year.
Binici gave a complete conference of guests to the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) where he highlighted the evolving economic landscape of the MENA region and Pakistan.
He reaffirmed the continuous support of the International Monetary Fund for the Pakistan economic and climate reform program. Addressing economists, researchers and politics experts, Binici said that the growth of the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and Pakistan should strengthen in 2025 and beyond.
However, he warned that high trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation and a weakening of global cooperation have continued to generate exceptional uncertainty and weigh on global economic prospects, highlighting the urgent need for prudent and prospective political actions.
By focusing on Pakistan, Binici said that the country’s performance under the EFR had been “strong so far”, adding that the success of the first review of the IMF executive council in May 2025 was an important step.
“The first political measures contributed to restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding the confidence of investors, despite persistent external challenges,” said Binici.
He stressed that structural reforms remain at the heart of Pakistan’s long -term economic sustainability, in particular reforms that strengthen equity, improve the commercial climate and encourage investment led by the private sector.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s progress on climate reforms in the context of the IMF resilience and sustiliality installation (RSF).
According to Binici, the RSF is designed to help countries like Pakistan strengthen resilience to climate -related vulnerabilities and to respect international climatic commitments. He said that the main areas of reform within the framework of the RSF included improving public investment planning, promoting the effective and sustainable use of water resources, improving institutional coordination for preparation and financing of disasters, and widening the availability and transparency of climate data. Binici underlined:
“Support through the RSF will not only strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience, but will also help unlock green investments and promote a more concerned economic trajectory.”
The executive director of the SDPI, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, praised the awareness of the IMF representative, noting the importance of informed economic dialogue and multilateral cooperation in the journey of the country to sustainable development.
The conference ended with an interactive discussion on fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, external stamps and the role of international institutions in the promotion of inclusive growth. Pakistan and the IMF had entered into an agreement at the level of staff in March under the EFF of $ 7 billion, aimed at ensuring economic stability and facilitating structural change.
