Pakistan maintains 3.6% growth forecast in IMF outlook 2026.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has praised Pakistan’s progress under its IMF-supported programme, stating that strong implementation has played a key role in maintaining macroeconomic stability and rebuilding investor confidence.
Following her meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Washington on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, Georgieva highlighted Pakistan’s reform efforts in a post on X. She noted that sustained policy discipline and structural reforms remain essential for long-term economic stability.
She further stated that “strong programme implementation has helped Pakistan maintain macroeconomic stability and build confidence.”
In its latest World Economic Outlook 2026, the IMF has maintained Pakistan’s growth forecast at 3.6% for FY26, slightly below the government’s target of 4.2%, citing weaker global economic conditions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
Credit rating agency Fitch has also acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stabilisation, noting that these measures are broadly aligned with the IMF programme and are supporting the country’s financing capacity.
Earlier, Pakistan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement in late March, marking a key step toward the release of $1.2 billion in funding. Following approval by the IMF Executive Board, Pakistan is expected to receive $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility and $210 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, bringing total disbursements under the programme to approximately $4.5 billion.
Under the broader $7 billion programme, the IMF has urged Pakistan to maintain tight and data-driven monetary policy to anchor inflation expectations and strengthen external buffers.
The Ministry of Finance said the IMF chief’s remarks reflect growing international recognition of Pakistan’s reform agenda and its commitment to economic stability through disciplined policymaking.
