IMF raises no serious concerns over Rs100 petrol subsidy, Shehbaz says after UNGA meeting with Georgieva

NEW YORK — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, telling reporters afterwards that the IMF had raised no serious concerns over Pakistan’s targeted petrol subsidy, The Express Tribune reported.

Speaking to the Tribune after the meeting, Shehbaz said he had briefed Georgieva on the pressure Pakistan faces and the difficulties of low-income people. “We drew the IMF chief’s attention to the question of where the poor man would go,” he said.

Earlier this month, the prime minister announced a special relief scheme offering Rs100 per litre off petrol for motorcycles, three-wheeler rickshaws and cars with engines of up to 800cc, to shield lower-income consumers from rising petroleum prices, the Tribune reported.

Georgieva confirmed the meeting in a post on X on 23 September, writing: “I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz on the margins of #UNGA to discuss Pakistan’s reforms. Strong implementation has helped preserve stability, restore confidence & regain market access. Continued reforms will help lift growth & improve people’s lives.”

The meeting had been pre-scheduled as part of Shehbaz’s UNGA programme, The Nation reported on 18 September, a schedule later confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sources

• The Express Tribune — PM says IMF raises no serious concerns over Rs100 subsidy after meeting Georgieva at UNGA
• The Nation — PM Shehbaz reaches London ahead UNGA session New York
• Kristalina Georgieva, via X post, 23 September 2026