The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send a delegation to Pakistan on March 3 to review the country’s ongoing $7 billion loan program, according to sources in the Finance Ministry.
Led by mission chief Nathan Porter, the IMF team will spend around two weeks in Pakistan, conducting both technical and policy-level discussions. Talks will continue until March 15, addressing various economic issues such as fiscal policies, energy sector reforms, and potential relief measures for salaried individuals.
Pakistan has previously received $1.1 billion from the IMF under this program, with an additional $1 billion expected to be approved.
Key Pakistani institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue , and regulatory bodies such as OGRA and NEPRA, will participate in the negotiations. Provincial governments from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan will also hold separate discussions with the IMF team.
The delegation is expected to provide recommendations for Pakistan’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Sources indicate that any financial relief for the salaried class will hinge on successful negotiations with the IMF.
Additionally, a technical team will discuss climate financing with officials from Punjab and Balochistan as part of broader economic assessments.
Pakistan, navigating a challenging economic landscape, aims to secure IMF approval for continued financial support, which is crucial for stabilizing its economy and attracting further global investment.
