PM Shehbaz Sharif to address Pakistan Stock Exchange investors as IMF talks continue

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address investors at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi on Thursday, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad also expected to attend, according to officials and sources close to the finance minister.

Aurangzeb, who is returning from an overseas visit, is scheduled to hold a series of meetings in Karachi with business leaders and representatives of the business community.

Sources close to the finance minister said he is expected to brief business leaders on his recent foreign visit and Pakistan’s ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund.

What meetings will Aurangzeb hold in Karachi?

Aurangzeb is expected to visit the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of his meetings with the business community.

Prime Minister Sharif will separately address the inauguration ceremony of New Nazimabad through video link, according to businessman and investor Arif Habib.

Pakistan and the IMF are meanwhile holding talks on the fourth review of the country’s economic program, with discussions progressing smoothly, according to the sources.

The IMF mission is expected to remain in Pakistan until October 8, the sources said.

A meeting between Aurangzeb and the IMF mission is expected to take place later this week, according to the sources.

When could Pakistan reach an IMF staff-level agreement?

The sources said Pakistan expects to reach a staff-level agreement with the IMF in October, although the timing remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing review.

The review is important for the government as it seeks to maintain progress under its economic reform program, strengthen external financing and support macroeconomic stability.