Mahir Binici emphasises structural reforms key to Pakistan\u2019s long-term economic sustainability
\n Islamabad
\nInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative for Pakistan Mahir Binici said that the country\u2019s performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) has been \u201cstrong so far\u201d and expressed hope that its economic growth would strengthen this year.
\nBinici delivered a comprehensive guest lecture at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in which he shed light on the evolving economic landscape across the MENA region and Pakistan.
\nHe reaffirmed the Washington-based lender\u2019s continued support for the country\u2019s economic and climate reform agenda.
\nAddressing economists, researchers and policy experts, Binici said that the growth across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region and Pakistan was expected to strengthen in 2025 and beyond.
\nHowever, he cautioned that elevated trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation and weakening global cooperation continued to generate exceptional uncertainty and weigh on the global economic outlook, underlining the urgent need for prudent and forward-looking policy actions, said a press release issued today.
\nFocusing on Pakistan, Binici said that the country\u2019s performance under the IMF\u2019s EFF has been \u201cstrong so far\u201d, adding that the successful completion of the first review by the IMF Executive Board in May 2025 was a key milestone.
\n\u201cEarly policy measures have helped restore macroeconomic stability and rebuild investor confidence, despite persistent external challenges,\u201d Binici remarked.
\nHe emphasised that structural reforms remain central to Pakistan\u2019s long-term economic sustainability, particularly reforms that strengthen tax equity, improve the business climate, and encourage private-sector-led investment.
\nHe also spotlighted Pakistan\u2019s progress on climate-related reforms under the IMF\u2019s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). According to Binici, the RSF is designed to help countries like Pakistan bolster resilience to climate-related vulnerabilities and meet international climate commitments.
\nHe mentioned that the key areas of reform under the RSF included enhancing public investment planning, promoting efficient and sustainable use of water resources, improving institutional coordination for disaster preparedness and financing, and expanding the availability and transparency of climate-related data.
\nBinici stressed: \u201cSupport through the RSF will not only strengthen Pakistan\u2019s climate resilience but also help unlock green investments and foster a more climate-conscious economic trajectory.\u201d
\nSDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri welcomed the IMF representative\u2019s outreach, noting the importance of informed economic dialogue and multilateral cooperation in the country\u2019s journey toward sustainable development.
\nThe lecture concluded with an interactive discussion on fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, external buffers, and the role of international institutions in fostering inclusive growth.
\nPakistan and the IMF had reached a staff-level agreement in March under the $7 billion EFF, aimed at ensuring economic stability and facilitating structural change.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mahir Binici emphasises structural reforms key to Pakistan\u2019s long-term economic sustainability Islamabad International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative for Pakistan Mahir Binici said that the country\u2019s performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) has been \u201cstrong so far\u201d and expressed hope that its economic growth would strengthen this year. Binici delivered a comprehensive guest lecture […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":490019,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-490001","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n