The federal government has revised the schedule for the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, with the presentation now expected on June 10 instead of June 5, sources said on Tuesday. According to official sources, the change comes amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) […]
International Monetary Fund
IMF asks Pakistan to raise GST to 19% in budget 2026-27
Ahead of the 2026-27 federal budget, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to increase the standard General Sales Tax (GST) rate by one percentage point, from 18% to 19%. However, Pakistani authorities have so far resisted it tooth and nail, arguing that it would further hike inflationary pressure, The News reported. According to […]
IMF mission wraps up Pakistan visit, budget talks to continue ‘in coming days’
Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will continue discussions on the federal budget for fiscal year 2027 in the coming days, following the conclusion of a staff-level visit in which both sides reviewed recent economic developments, fiscal targets, and progress on reforms under the country’s ongoing loan programmes. An IMF mission led by Iva […]
IMF revenue target raises cost pressures, warns PIAF
The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has expressed concern over the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projection of a Rs17.1 trillion federal revenue target for 2026-27, warning that the aggressive revenue mobilisation plan, combined with already high energy tariffs and policy pressures, could further strain industrial growth and exports. PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol, […]
IMF maintains oversight of budgetary planning as more funds land in SBP
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) here on Wednesday acknowledged the positive progress made by Pakistan in maintaining macroeconomic stability despite a challenging global and regional environment. The appreciation was made by the visiting IMF Mission, led by Mission Chief Ms. Iva Petrova during a meeting with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb […]
IMF approves $1.2 billion tranche for Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board on Friday approved the latest review of Pakistan’s reform programme, paving the way for the release of $1.2 billion in financing under the ongoing arrangements. In Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also confirmed the approval, saying the decision reflects Pakistan’s continued progress on difficult but necessary economic reforms. […]
IMF asks Pakistan to implement reforms amid ME war effects
The Resident Representative of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Pakistan Dr Mahir Binici has said that the ongoing Middle East conflict is likely to create a significant economic slowdown and heightened risks across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) region. He was speaking at an outreach session here at Sustainable Development Policy […]
IMF board to meet on May 8 to approve disbursement of over $1.2bn to Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called a meeting of its executive board on May 8 to approve the disbursement of more than $1.2 billion to Pakistan under two concurrent programmes – $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), IMF officials told. Pakistan has qualified for the disbursement of about $1bn […]
IMF cuts 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% on Mideast war
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 global growth projection on Tuesday, warning that the world economy could be “thrown off course” by war in the Middle East – as the conflict roils commodity markets and sparks higher prices. The global economy is set to grow by 3.1 per cent this year, said the […]
IMF, Pakistan reach staff-level agreement to unlock $1.2 billion tranche
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Saturday announced a staff-level agreement with Pakistan for the release of about $1.2 billion under two loan tranches, while warning that the ongoing Middle East war could cloud the country’s economic outlook by pressuring growth, inflation and external sector stability. The IMF said it reached the agreement only after […]