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IMF chief calls PM Shehbaz ‘man of word,’ lauds Pakistan for undertaking difficult reforms
- Pakistan’s economy improving after govt reforms: IMF chief.
- Highlights constructive talks with Islamabad throughout years.
- IMF chief says PM, cabinet carried forward difficult reforms.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday heaped praise on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for implementing difficult reforms aimed at Pakistan’s development.
Speaking after meeting PM Shehbaz on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the IMF managing director said that Pakistan’s economy was improving after the government “embraced reforms seriously”.
“We are finally seeing the budget discipline bringing resources that can be deployed to improve [the] lives of people,” Georgieva said, adding that the IMF team was looking forward to continuing the implementation of Pakistan’s programme.
The IMF chief lauded PM Shehbaz for honouring his commitment to reforms, saying the lender has had very constructive engagements with Pakistan throughout the years.
“I highly respect the prime minister. He is serious; when he gives his word that something will be done, it gets done,” she added.
She also highlighted continued engagement with Islamabad during meetings focused on the reform agenda.
“We always use the time effectively to identify where progress is made, where there is still more to do,” she said. “And that was exactly the case this time. So, my high respect for the seriousness of the prime minister and his cabinet to carry forward difficult reforms for the betterment of Pakistan.”
Last year, the IMF disbursed $1.2 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the climate-focused Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
The global lender, in its meeting held on December 8, 2025, had approved $1.2 billion loan for Pakistan after completing the second review of the country’s economic reform programme under the EFF and the first review under the RSF.
During their meeting, PM Shehbaz apprised the IMF MD of Pakistan’s improving macro-economic indicators, stabilisation efforts, and progress on structural reforms. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation, and sustainable growth.
The IMF managing director acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and emphasised the importance of maintaining reform momentum to ensure long-term economic resilience.
Both sides exchanged views on the global economic outlook, challenges faced by emerging economies and the importance of multilateral support in safeguarding economic stability.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s perseverance rover has successfully completed its first artificial intelligence (AI) driven drive on another planet.
The perseverance used an AI model, Claude, developed by Anthropic, to design a 400-meter safe route across the rocky terrain of Jezero Carter. The plan was executed on December 8 and 10, 2025.
Previously, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) performed this manually.
As Mars is, on average, 140 million miles away from Earth, it creates a communication delay of about 20 minutes, which makes it unable to drive rovers in real-time.
Instead of it, operators meticulously plan a series of way points also known as “breadcrumb trail” with the help of orbital images and rover data, which the rover then follows autonomously between points.
For this test, engineers gave Claude years of mission data in context.
The AI system analysed high-resolution orbital imagery, detected dangers such as boulder fields and sand ripples, and produced a continuous path.
It even produced the commands in the rover’s specialised programming language.
Before application, JPL engineers verified it via standard verification simulation, checking over 500,000 variables.
One minor adjustment was needed after tests. Resultantly, perseverance drove 689 ft and then 807 ft on the two sols (Marian days), completing the AI-planned route without issue.
Just in time for love filled February moments, Meghan Markle has unveiled a special limited edition chocolate collection through her lifestyle brand As Ever on Saturday.
The new As Ever x Compartés Valentine’s Day box brings together gourmet flavours and beautifully designed packaging.
“Our Valentine’s Day As ever x @compartes collection is here!” she wrote.
Created in collaboration with Los Angeles luxury chocolatier Compartés, the collection features four handcrafted bars.
Think rich Strawberry Spread Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Spread Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate with Flower Sprinkles and Milk Chocolate with Shortbread Cookies and Bee Pollen, all wrapped in cheerful floral-inspired boxes.
The duo’s holiday chocolate trio in 2025 flew off shelves in record time, selling out in under an hour and fans are already anticipating another quick disappearance this season too, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.
It first started with small-batch spreads, teas, baking mixes and sweet treats, and has expanded into wines, candles and now premium chocolates.
In fact, the brand’s name, As Ever, represents her desire to build something timeless and warm that feels like home.
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