New York (Web Desk): International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director (MD) Kristalina Georgieva has urged Pakistan to collect more taxes from the wealthy and protect the poor people of the country.
Speaking to a private Pakistani news channel after her meeting with Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, Kristalina said, "Of course, it is difficult but Pakistan has to do it in line with the IMF programme as we stand by the people of Pakistan," she said.
To a question, the IMF chief said that revitalising Pakistan's economy is in the interest of its people. "Shortcomings" of the past should be addressed, Georgieva urged, refering to reforms the global lender has sought in the country.
Later in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kristalina Georgieva said she had a good meeting with the Pakistan's PM on the country’s economic prospects.
"We agreed on the vital need for strong policies to ensure stability, foster sustainable and inclusive growth, prioritise revenue collection, and protection for the most vulnerable in Pakistan," the IMF chief stated.
Very good meeting with Pakistan’s PM @anwaar_kakar today on ????????’s economic prospects. We agreed on the vital need for strong policies to ensure stability, foster sustainable and inclusive growth, prioritize revenue collection, and protection for the most vulnerable in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/YkVpju4UqY
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) September 20, 2023
Meanwhile, PM Kakar, in a post on X, said that he held a constructive dialogue with the Fund's chief that "emphasised extending our mutual commitment towards bolstering economic stability and growth in Pakistan."
Had a constructive dialogue with Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, at the #UNGA78, that emphasized extending our mutual commitment towards bolstering economic stability and growth in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/u8kJX8Eqga
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) September 20, 2023
Earlier, during the meeting with the IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, PM Kakar expressed gratitude to the IMF for approving $3 billion Stand-By Agreement to support Pakistan's economy, the Radio Pakistan reported.
The prime minister briefed her on various measures taken by the government to stabilize and revive the economy of country.
PM Kakar affirmed that these initiatives aim to create a stable and conducive environment for sustainable economic growth and investment.
In her remarks, the IMF chief appreciated concerted efforts of Pakistan in implementing policies and reforms to revive the economy.
She assured that the IMF remained committed to continued engagement with Pakistan.
