ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's economy is on a path to long-term recovery, thanks to a stabilisation programme backed by the International Monetary Fund, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, ahead of a first review of a $7-billion bailout set for early in March.

The comments came in Sharif's meeting on Tuesday with Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai, his office said in a statement.

Sharif underscored the progress made under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which has played a key role in stabilising Pakistan's economy and set it on the path of long-term recovery, it added.

In a post on X, Georgieva said, "I am encouraged by their strong commitment to Pakistan's IMF-supported reforms and support their decisive actions."

These would help pave the way to higher growth and more jobs for Pakistan's youthful population, she added.

Ahead of the IMF review, the government and central bank have expressed confidence about meeting its targets, even as Pakistan struggles to navigate the recovery, following the bailout secured in September.

Tuesday's meeting focused on the macroeconomic stability brought by the government's reform agenda under the IMF programme and efforts to maintain fiscal discipline, Sharif's office said.

He vowed to keep up the momentum for reform, particularly in areas such as taxes, energy efficiency and private sector development, it added.

A three-member IMF mission is separately in Pakistan for a an assessment under the EFF programme.

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)