Skip to content
Pakistan Times Today

Results for “IMF” (152)

Syeda Mubeena Hashmi Posted in World

Pakistan’s IMF Cycle Still Leaves Deeper Reforms Unfinished

Pakistan’s latest IMF reviews highlight a familiar paradox: macroeconomic indicators are improving, but deeper structural reforms remain incomplete. Fiscal discipline, stronger reserves and a more stable external account are important gains, yet persistent governance weaknesses, market interventions and delayed reforms continue to limit sustainable growth. The central challenge is moving beyond meeting IMF targets. Without structural changes, Pakistan risks repeating its long-standing cycle of stabilisation, short-term growth and renewed dependence on IMF programmes. Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

UAE rolls over $2bn loan to Pakistan ahead of IMF review

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to a short-term rollover of a $2 billion deposit for Pakistan for a period of two months, The News reported on Friday, as Islamabad prepares for talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This assurance was given to Pakistan when Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted the UAE high-ups this week. A top official confirmed that the UAE has agreed to the short-term rollover until April 17, 2026. Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

IMF asks Pakistan to reduce circular debt to zero in current fiscal year

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to reduce inflows into the considerable circular debt to zero from the current fiscal year. The inefficiencies of the Power Distribution Companies (Discos) have continued to be a significant factor, resulting in losses of Rs265 billion in FY25 compared to Rs276 billion in FY24. Additionally, under recoveries were recorded at Rs132 billion in FY25, down from Rs315 billion in FY24. The IMF has been briefed about the baseline tariff, which will be implemented from January 1, 2026. Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

Pakistan urges IMF to consider flood impact in next programme review

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is making steady progress in meeting targets set under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, but stressed that the economic impact of recent floods should be taken into account during its upcoming review. Massive floods across the country have struck both the rural heartland and industrial centres for the first time in decades, causing billions of dollars in damage while straining food supplies, exports and a fragile economic recovery. Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Business

Pakistan gets IMF nod for sugar import tax relief

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lifted its objection to Pakistan’s tax relief on imported sugar, following successful negotiations by the government. The relief, detailed in a FBR notification, reduces the sales tax from 18% to 0.25% and is not part of the national budget or a subsidy program, a stance Pakistan clarified to address IMF concerns over fiscal discipline amid a sugar shortage, the sources within the finance ministry added. Pakistan plans to import 100,000 tons of sugar in the first phase, costing $56.7 million, with a tax exemption… Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

IMF endorses Rs 100 bln subsidy for electric vehicles

The IMF has endorsed the government’s policy of Rs 100 billion subsidy for promotion of electric vehicles from 2025–30, sources said. The new electric vehicle policy for five years, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, cut fuel imports, and promote local manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). To promote EVs’ adoption, the government has allocated Rs nine billion in subsidies for the fiscal year 2025–26. Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Uncategorized

IMF ‘objects’ to sugar import subsidy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed reservations over Pakistan’s decision to offer tax exemptions and subsidies on imported sugar, warning that such measures could jeopardize the ongoing $7 billion loan program. According to official sources, the IMF has opposed the government’s plan to provide a subsidy of Rs55 per kilogram on imported sugar, which is expected to arrive in Pakistan at a cost of Rs249 per kg. The international lender has also rejected the Pakistan government’s justification that the import falls under “food emergency” measures. Read More…

0 Comments

Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

Govt accepts IMF demand to public officers’ asset declaration

The federal government has fulfilled another condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), making it mandatory for all government officers in Grade 17 and above to publicly declare their assets. A gazette notification for the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been officially issued following approval by President Asif Ali Zardari. The bill aims to enhance transparency and provide public access to the asset declarations of senior government officials. The Establishment Division has forwarded the gazette notification to all federal ministries and divisions. Read More…

0 Comments