PM set to meet IMF MD during UNGA Session

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan anticipates a meeting between caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva during the 78th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.

The aim of the meeting is to discuss potential adjustments to the ongoing Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) in response to public concerns over rising inflation, increased electricity tariffs, and soaring petroleum prices.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York is actively coordinating with the IMF to arrange a meeting between the caretaker Prime Minister and the IMF’s top executive during the UNGA session. The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the prominent UN forum from September 18 to September 23, accompanied by the caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

PM Kakar to address UNGA session on Sept 22

While the meeting between the caretaker Prime Minister and the IMF Chief has yet to be confirmed, it is widely expected to occur, as stated by the official. With mounting public discontent and protests against inflation and price hikes, the government is currently exploring various options to alleviate the burden of high electricity bills on the Pakistani populace. However, concrete plans to provide relief to consumers affected by skyrocketing inflation have not yet been finalized.

Furthermore, the official disclosed that the caretaker Prime Minister has plans to engage in bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, as well as leaders of international organizations, philanthropic institutions, and corporate figures during the UNGA session. Notably, there is no scheduled bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. President Biden will be hosting a gathering of world leaders participating in the UNGA session on September 19 at the UN Headquarters. The official suggested that this may present an opportunity for the caretaker Prime Minister to exchange brief greetings with the US President amid interactions with global leaders.

On the same day, the caretaker Prime Minister will attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for UNGA session participants. Additionally, on the sidelines of the UNGA session, the caretaker Prime Minister is expected to engage with other heads of state and government during various organized activities.

The caretaker Prime Minister is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2023. During this address, he will outline Pakistan’s perspective on a range of regional and global issues of concern, including the long-standing unresolved matter of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains on the UN’s agenda.