Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb accepted the position on behalf of Pakistan.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres warned at the meeting that poor and developing countries around the world were facing a major economic storm.
According to the latest report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), developing countries are spending an average of around 9.5 per cent of their total revenue on interest payments alone, the highest level since 2001.
Addressing the meeting, Aurangzeb praised Egypt’s previous leadership and the efforts of member countries. He said the platform had been established to promote mutual learning and technical cooperation rather than collective bargaining or serving as a temporary mechanism for managing crises.
Outlining Pakistan’s priorities for the 2026-27 work programme, the finance minister said the country would focus on improving debt management, exchanging reform experiences and exploring innovative sources of development finance.
He said debt should serve as a means of development rather than an obstacle to progress.
Speaking to the media and senior officials in Bangkok, Aurangzeb also said he had held positive discussions with IMF First Deputy Managing Director Dan Katz on Pakistan’s economic stabilisation and structural reforms.
The IMF has welcomed the increase in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, the decline in inflation and improvements in macroeconomic stability.
Aurangzeb also participated in the V20 Finance Ministers’ Dialogue, where he emphasised the need for technical and financial cooperation to address climate change and mounting debt pressures.
