PM Shehbaz commends team, nation for unlocking IMF deal, new $1.3bn climate fund

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended his team for unlocking the new $1.3 billion arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with a successful first review of the ongoing 37-month bailout programme. The announcement from the global money lender came early Wednesday morning, saying that it had reached a staff-level agreement (SLA) with the Pakistani authorities. Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting today, the premier thanked the members of his team, saying it was through “day and night” efforts that led to the achievement of this milestone. “This was through teamwork, no doubt,” he said, adding that some had questioned whether the government would be able to achieve the feat without the mini-budget.