Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has stated that Pakistan has fulfilled all the stringent conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), some of which were related to China.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York, PM Shahbaz Sharif mentioned that the IMF agreement is in its final stages. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing that this achievement would not have been possible without their cooperation.
He acknowledged that some of the IMF conditions were tied to China’s involvement, and he appreciated the Chinese government’s continued support for Pakistan. “We have accepted the economic challenges we face. By the grace of Allah and through the collective efforts of the government and all institutions, we have managed to overcome these challenges, and economic indicators are gradually improving,” he remarked.
During his meeting with President Erdoğan, PM Shahbaz Sharif noted that they had a fruitful discussion, and he praised Erdoğan’s passionate address at the UN General Assembly. He mentioned how the Turkish President articulated the issue of Palestine, which resonated deeply with the audience, and extended his congratulations on Erdoğan’s impactful speech.
Shahbaz Sharif highlighted the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey, revealing that the Turkish President is expected to visit Pakistan soon. He expressed his hope that Allah would guide them in serving the people of Pakistan to the best of their ability.
Earlier, during their meeting at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, PM Shahbaz Sharif and President Erdoğan agreed to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and security sectors.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders discussed bilateral issues and reviewed preparations for the upcoming 7th meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) to be held in Islamabad soon.
The two leaders also addressed regional and global issues, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation. They called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
The Prime Minister commended Turkey’s strong and unwavering support for the oppressed people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, President Erdoğan praised PM Shahbaz Sharif’s economic policies, which have contributed to stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, and acknowledged the Prime Minister’s commitment to economic reforms. He also congratulated PM Shahbaz Sharif on his birthday.
Notably, PM Shahbaz Sharif arrived in New York on September 24 as part of his five-day visit to the United States, where he will participate in the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister has a busy day planned in New York, attending a reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of member states and holding informal meetings with various country leaders.
Accompanying PM Shahbaz Sharif on this visit are Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Education and Vocational Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
