The International Monetary Fund on Friday welcomed reform progress by Pakistan, saying its policy efforts under the IMF-supported programme have helped stabilise the economy and rebuild market confidence. According to IMF spokesperson and Director of Communications Julie Kozack, Pakistan is currently implementing an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and an IMF staff team is expected […]
IMF
Pakistan’s poverty rate rises to 28.8% in 2024-25
Pakistan’s poverty rate has climbed to 28.8 percent in 2024-25, up from 21.9 percent in 2018-19, marking a sharp reversal in earlier gains and reflecting mounting economic pressures over the past six years, according to official estimates. Read More: Nearly 45% of Pakistanis now live below poverty line: World bank The latest figures, based on the Household Integrated […]
Pakistan set to repay $1.3bn Eurobond ahead of IMF talks
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is preparing to repay approximately $1.3 billion in principal and interest on a maturing Eurobond in April 2026, ahead of upcoming negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the country’s $7 billion reform programme. Read More: Pakistan to return to Eurobond market in 2026 Officials said the IMF review mission is scheduled to arrive […]
IMF mission due in Pakistan next week for third economic review
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is set to arrive in Pakistan on February 25 for the third economic review talks under the ongoing loan program, a key step that could unlock $1.2 billion in fresh funding. The 15-day visit will focus on assessing Pakistan’s economic performance from July to December 2025 and reviewing progress […]
UAE extends $2bn Pakistan loan rollover for one month
ISLAMABAD — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to extend the rollover of a $2 billion loan to Pakistan for an additional month, sources confirmed on Tuesday. Read More: Pakistan negotiates major UAE debt relief Pakistan had requested a longer rollover period for a total of $3 billion, including a $1 billion tranche due to mature in […]
Sugar deregulation plan stalls amid IMF pressure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s efforts to carry out full deregulation of the sugar sector under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition have seen little progress, with key provincial legislation yet to move forward despite looming deadlines. Read More: Sugar mills push for deregulation to boost farmers’ profits Officials say the federal government had committed to removing all state intervention in […]
Panel proposes urgent reforms to boost exports and avoid future IMF loans
A panel appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recommended urgent reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and sharply increasing exports, in a bid to avert another International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme once the current arrangement ends in 2027. The committee, led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, warned that Pakistan’s current economic […]
Govt likely to seek relief from IMF in FY27 budget
In a move aimed at spurring sluggish economic activities, the government is mulling various options to convince the IMF to secure relaxations on different macroeconomic and fiscal frameworks for the next budget 2026-27, sources said on Wednesday. This thinking among policymakers has surfaced in the context of increasing criticism over the IMF’s EFF that suffocated […]
Govt launches privatisation process for five DISCOs under IMF reforms
Pakistan has appointed financial advisers and launched sell-side due diligence for the privatization of five electricity distribution companies, marking a long-awaited step in power-sector reforms tied to International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank programs, according to official documents shared with media on Monday. The five companies, namely Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric […]
Argentina enact slaw to encourage return of dollars held outside banking system
BUENOS AIRES: Argentina President Javier Milei has signed a new “tax innocence” law aimed at encouraging citizens to bring billions of dollars held outside the formal banking system back into circulation. Read More: Towards a sustainable financial system For decades of high inflation and strict currency controls, Argentines converted pesos into US dollars and stored them […]