ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday discussed economic reforms, macroeconomic stability and climate resilience with IMF and ESCAP officials in Bangkok, while assuming Pakistan’s chairmanship of the Borrowers’ Platform to promote debt management and development financing. According to a press release issued by finance ministry here, the minister met with Dan Katz, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on …
Aurangzeb holds talks with IMF, ESCAP, assumes Borrowers’ Platform Chairmanship
ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday discussed economic reforms, macroeconomic stability and climate resilience with IMF and ESCAP officials in Bangkok, while assuming Pakistan’s chairmanship of the Borrowers’ Platform to promote debt management and development financing.
According to a press release issued by finance ministry here, the minister met with Dan Katz, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand and discussed Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilization, progress under the IMF-supported programme and ongoing structural reforms.
He highlighted improved investor confidence, sovereign credit rating upgrades and renewed access to international capital markets. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, tax reforms, privatization and sustainable economic growth.
Both sides welcomed the staff-level agreement and acknowledged improvements in fiscal performance, foreign exchange reserves, inflation and external sector stability.
Discussions also covered the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy prices and inflation, including targeted relief for vulnerable households within fiscal constraints. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and safeguarding macroeconomic stability against external challenges.
Meanwhile, Aurangzeb, met with UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and discussed country’s economic priorities and opportunities for cooperation.
He outlined progress in macroeconomic stabilization and emphasized the importance of preserving these gains through structural reforms and sustainable, export-led growth.
He identified climate change and rapid population growth as major challenges, seeking technical support for disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and the development of bankable climate projects.
Discussions also covered digital skills and employment, sustainable finance, the energy transition and potential technical assistance for the State Bank of Pakistan.
The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of practical cooperation that translates policy analysis into actionable measures and measurable results.
The minister also accepted the chairmanship of the Governing Council of the Borrowers’ Platform on behalf of Pakistan and acknowledged Egypt’s leadership and the contributions of member countries and the Secretariat in operationalizing the Platform.
He emphasized that the Platform would promote mutual learning and technical cooperation rather than serve as a collective bargaining or crisis-management mechanism. He outlined Pakistan’s priorities under the 2026–27 work plan, including strengthening debt-management practices, sharing reform experiences and exploring innovative development-financing instruments.
He reaffirmed commitment to practical implementation and measurable results, stressing that debt should remain an
instrument for development rather than a constraint on it.
The minister welcomed the rapid progress in establishing the Platform’s institutional foundations, governance arrangements and shared work programme, as well as growing interest from prospective member countries.
