Canada Global (Web News) Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), declined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to the Climate Resilient Pakistan Conference in Geneva but expressed interest in participating virtually.
The IMF chief accepted PM Shehbaz’s request for Georgieva to attend the conference in Geneva; but, because the IMF board meetings were scheduled for January 9–10, “she will only be able to join the conference digitally,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
“Georgia called Prime Minister Shehbaz and expressed her deep sympathy and concern for the human and material losses caused by the recent floods, emphasising her commitment to support Pakistan during this trying time,” the statement said.
The managing director expressed concern about the effects of the floods, and the premier thanked her and reassured her that Pakistan is “dedicated to effectively completing the ongoing IMF project.”
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that an IMF delegation would be travelling to Pakistan in two to three days to “take up and conclude” the ninth economic assessment and free up a much-needed $1.1 billion bailout tranche.
During a speech at the Hazara Electric Supply Company’s inauguration, the PM stated, “I spoke to Georgieva and emphasised that Pakistan wishes to conclude the IMF rescue project” (HAZECO).
I asked her to loosen the agreement’s restrictions because the masses can no longer bear this load. The wealthy sectors of society now pay taxes, the premier said.