ISLAMABAD: A "productive" conversation was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva about the upcoming Geneva conference on a resilient Pakistan, according to the IMF's spokesperson on Sunday.

The statement continued that Georgieva backed Pakistan's efforts to create a more resilient recovery during the call with the prime minister and once more conveyed her sympathies to those who were directly impacted by the floods.

In order to discuss unresolved concerns and possible next steps, the IMF delegation is anticipated to meet with Finance Minister Dar outside of the Geneva conference, according to the statement.

Starting on January 9, PM Shehbaz will go to Switzerland with a high-level team to co-host the summit with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In order to aid Pakistan's people and government in more efficiently recovering from the destruction caused by the recent floods, the conference will help mobilise international assistance.

IMF chief rejects invitation from PM

The IMF director earlier this week expressed a willingness to participate electronically in the meeting despite turning down PM Shehbaz's offer to attend the summit. Because the IMF board meetings were scheduled for January 9–10, she explained, "she will only be able to participate the conference remotely."

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, the IMF director appreciated for the invitation but stated that because the IMF board meetings were scheduled for January 9-10, "she will only be able to participate the conference remotely."

The statement said, "Georgieva called Prime Minister Shehbaz on the phone and expressed her great sympathy and concern on the human and material losses due to the recent floods and emphasised her commitment to support Pakistan during this trying time.

The managing director expressed concern about the effects of the floods, and the premier thanked her and reassured her that Pakistan is "dedicated to effectively completing the ongoing IMF project."

Visit of an IMF delegation to Pakistan

According to PM Shehbaz, an IMF group would arrive in Pakistan in two to three days to "take up and finalise" the ninth economic assessment and release a much-needed $1.1 billion bailout tranche.

During a speech at the Hazara Electric Supply Company's inauguration, the PM stated, "I spoke to Georgieva and emphasised that Pakistan wishes to conclude the IMF rescue project" (HAZECO).

I asked her to loosen the agreement's restrictions because the masses can no longer bear this load. The premier declared, "We have imposed taxes on the wealthy sectors of society.

"I also begged her to send a delegation for the ninth loan programme review, and she replied that IMF officials were going to visit Pakistan in a few days [2-3] days."

The event occurred as Pakistan works to alleviate concerns that the nation is edging closer to a default and as the ninth review of the IMF bailout programme remains deadlocked due to disagreements between the two sides.

A $1.1 billion tranche that was supposed to be released in November has been delayed due to this deadlock.