DAVOS, Switzerland: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday began a series of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, meeting global financial leaders and counterparts.
On the sidelines of the WEF, PM Sharif met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister briefed the IMF chief on improvements in Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators, ongoing stabilisation efforts and progress on structural and institutional reforms.
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation and sustainable growth, the statement said.
Georgieva acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts, stressing the need to maintain momentum to ensure long-term economic resilience.
The two sides also discussed the global economic outlook, challenges facing emerging economies and the importance of multilateral cooperation in safeguarding economic stability, the PMO said.
وزیراعظم کی آئی ایم ایف کے ایم ڈی کرسٹالینا جارجیوا سے ملاقات
وزیراعظم محمد شہبازشریف نے عالمی اقتصادی فورم کے 56ویں سالانہ اجلاس کے موقع پر آج سوئٹزرلینڈ کے شہر ڈیووس میں انٹرنیشنل مانیٹری فنڈ کی منیجنگ ڈائریکٹر کرسٹالینا جارجیوا سے ملاقات کی۔
وزیراعظم نے منیجنگ ڈائریکٹر کو… pic.twitter.com/VIyP9MtgZY
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 21, 2026
The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar.
Outreach on Palestine
Earlier, PM Sharif met Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s “consistent, principled and unwavering support” for the Palestinian people, according to a post by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
Mustafa thanked Islamabad for backing the Palestinian position at international forums and acknowledged Pakistan’s advocacy of the Palestinian cause globally.
Palestinian PM expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister @CMShehbaz for Pakistan’s consistent, principled and unwavering support for Palestinian people@PakPMO #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/ETzDhaNkn9 pic.twitter.com/KooMxX7uzZ
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 21, 2026
Finance minister meets global lenders, investors
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda.
The two reviewed Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, macroeconomic stabilisation and their long-standing development partnership.
Aurangzeb pointed to what he described as improving indicators, including easing inflation, declining policy rates, strengthening foreign exchange reserves and rising investor confidence.
He also briefed the ADB chief on progress in privatisation and greater private sector participation.
Kanda welcomed the progress and said the ADB remained fully committed to supporting Pakistan’s reform agenda, particularly in energy sector reforms, sustainable development and improved access to international capital markets.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met ADB President Mr. Masato Kanda today in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, macroeconomic stabilization, and strengthening the… pic.twitter.com/V63qh55BkP
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026
Aurangzeb also met Visa Group President Oliver Jenkyn to discuss digital payments, financial innovation and Pakistan’s transition towards a digitally enabled economy.
Jenkyn reaffirmed Visa’s long-term commitment to Pakistan and highlighted the importance of clear and consistent policies to enable innovation at scale.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met Mr. Oliver Jenkyn, Group President of Visa, today in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in digital payments, financial innovation, and… pic.twitter.com/NMy6JytP4b
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026
In another meeting, the finance minister held talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart, who expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential.
He further highlighted Kuwait’s interest in expanding investments beyond traditional markets and viewed Pakistan as a promising destination, supported by its human capital, growing market, and emerging opportunities.
“Both sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape and engagement with global payment networks. Jenkyn reaffirmed Visa’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, highlighting the company’s interest in supporting the next phase of growth through innovation, secure payment solutions and knowledge transfer. He emphasised the global shift toward digital payments and the importance of clear and consistent policies to enable innovation at scale,” the Ministry of Finance stated in a post on X.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met H.E. Subaih Abdul Aziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Finance of the State of Kuwait, today in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s economic outlook and ways to… pic.twitter.com/iHt9hgezRT
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) January 21, 2026
Pavilion, diplomacy and start-ups
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the WEF, describing it as an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s economic potential and innovative start-up ecosystem.
Dar underscored the role of start-ups in socio-economic development and reaffirmed government support for entrepreneurs, particularly youth-led ventures.
Deputy PM Dar lauded the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic potential and emerging opportunities on a global platform, while highlighting the dynamism and innovation of the country’s start-ups.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the #WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in #Davos.
DPM/FM appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic… pic.twitter.com/bjfzGnvCvs
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026
Deputy PM Dar also met the foreign ministers of Finland and Canada.
Pakistan and Finland agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and expand Pakistan and Finland’s bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment.
They also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. Both sides emphasised advancing a forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership.
On the sidelines of the 26th #WorldEconomicForum @wef in #Davos, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met H.E. Elina Valtonen, Foreign Minister of Finland.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen & expand Pak-Finland… pic.twitter.com/UvKGIWduY2
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026
In another post on X by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Deputy PM met his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand on the sidelines of the WEF 2026 meeting.
Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and economic relations.
The two foreign ministers “agreed to explore ways to enhance Pakistan-Canada ties” and “discussed to upscale and strengthen economic and trade relations”, the social media post said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with the Canadian FM Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP today on the sidelines of #WEF26 at #Davos today.
The two sides engaged in a fruitful discussion and agreed to explore ways to enhance… pic.twitter.com/Er0BcaDsuU
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum, a Swiss-based non-governmental organisation, brings together political, business and academic leaders to discuss global challenges. Its annual meeting in Davos runs from Monday to Friday.
PM Sharif is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior cabinet members and officials, and is scheduled to attend an informal leaders’ session themed “The Importance of Dialogue in a Divided Global Landscape”, as well as further bilateral meetings focused on economic reforms, regional stability and international cooperation.
