President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Finance Bill 2026-27, formally clearing the way for Pakistan’s federal budget to take effect from 1 July 2026. The approval completes the legislative process and allows the government to begin implementing fiscal measures outlined in the new financial plan. Following presidential assent, officials confirmed that the Finance Bill […]
Fiscal Policy
Pakistan’s external debt reaches $92.2 billion
Pakistan’s government external debt stood at $92.2 billion at the end of March 2026, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on external financing while showing a slower pace of debt accumulation compared to the previous year. The survey revealed that during the first nine months of fiscal year […]
Government plans Rs7.15 trillion borrowing through debt auctions
The federal government plans to raise Rs7.15 trillion through Treasury bill and Pakistan Investment Bond auctions between June and August, according to the latest auction calendar. The borrowing strategy reflects heavy reliance on domestic debt markets to manage financing needs and refinance existing obligations during the period. Under the plan, the government aims to generate […]
IMF pushes Pakistan to raise provincial revenue targets sharply
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has significantly increased provincial tax collection targets for Pakistan in the upcoming fiscal year, calling for a 64 per cent rise as part of ongoing fiscal reforms under its support programme, according to official documents. Read More: IMF approves $1.2 billion tranche for Pakistan Under the revised framework, provincial revenue authorities […]
Petroleum levy collections surpass IMF loan amount
The federal government has collected more than Rs2.7 trillion in petroleum levy from citizens over the past two years, according to official documents, with the amount reportedly exceeding the combined value of Pakistan’s two ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programmes. Read More: IMF seeks higher petroleum levy target Documents revealed that from April 2024 to March 2026, […]
IMF sets 11 new conditions for Pakistan economic reforms
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan as part of its ongoing economic reform programme, including further increases in petroleum, gas and electricity prices, according to official reports. The new requirements also include structural reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline, strengthening tax collection, and enhancing transparency in key government institutions. […]
IMF sets strict conditions for sovereign wealth fund
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly demanded that Pakistan implement six strict conditions to make its sovereign wealth fund fully operational, according to official sources in Islamabad. The conditions are aimed at strengthening financial discipline and limiting the fund’s exposure to riskier economic activities. Under the proposed framework, the sovereign wealth fund would be […]
Government debt rises sharply over two years
Pakistan’s federal government has recorded a significant increase in its total debt during the first two years of the current administration, according to newly released data from the State Bank of Pakistan. Read More: Pakistan achieves record early debt repayment, reduces debt ratio Official documents show that government debt rose by approximately Rs 15,072 billion between March 2024 and […]
Federal development budget slashed by Rs173bn amid IMF pressure
Pakistan’s federal development budget has been reduced by Rs173 billion amid pressure from the International Monetary Fund and the economic impact of ongoing Middle East tensions, officials said on Wednesday. Read More: Federal development spending remains slow in first five months According to the Ministry of Planning, the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) has been cut […]
Takaichi party poised for landslide in Japan’s lower house election
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ruling party is on track for a commanding victory in next week’s lower house election, according to a survey conducted by the Asahi newspaper, boosting her mandate for expansionary fiscal policies. Read More: PM Takaichi calls snap election in Japan The poll, released Sunday, indicates Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is likely to […]