IMF - International Monetary Fund Program Updates

Govt to table SOE bills for IMF compliance​

Khaleeq Kiani
March 11, 2026

ISLAMABAD: At the last leg of talks, Pakistan has been compelled to introduce a series of bills to the parliament for bringing more than a dozen major State-Owned Entities (SOEs) under the coverage of standard statutory, fiduciary and governance compliance to meet deadlines and conclude a successful review with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

At least two different sets of legislation would be presented to the National Assembly within days to meet a previously repeatedly missed structural benchmark with the IMF that has been reset for compliance by the end of the current month. Talks are expected to conclude on Wednesday.

Informed sources told Dawn that the authorities reported to an IMF mission that the austerity measures announced by the prime minister to address economic challenges caused by supply chain disruptions in the region would initially negatively affect revenue collection, already facing shortfalls, but would lead to positive outcomes with a delayed inflationary impact.
 
IMF says it has made 'considerable progress' in Pakistan funding talks

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that it has made "considerable progress" in talks with Pakistan over its funding facilities and that discussions will continue.

"While considerable progress was made in the discussions, these will continue in the coming days, including to more fully assess the impact of recent global developments on Pakistan’s economy and the EFF-supported (Extended Fund Facility) program," IMF advisor Iva Petrova said in the statement.

The statement came after the federal government and IMF team, led by Petrova, held discussions on the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in Karachi and Islamabad, as well as virtually, from February 25 to March 11, 2026.

"Program implementation under the EFF remained broadly aligned with the authorities’ commitments through end-February 2026," the statement read.

It added, "Considerable progress was made in the discussions on policies ahead, including on sustaining the fiscal consolidation to strengthen public finances; maintaining a sufficiently tight monetary policy to ensure inflation remains durably within the State Bank of Pakistan’s target range; and advancing reforms to improve the viability of the energy sector."

Petrova said that particular attention was paid to deepening structural reforms, given the authorities’ emphasis on accelerating growth, alongside efforts to strengthen social protection and rebuild health and education spending.

The statement added that Pakistan has made good progress in implementing reforms to strengthen climate resilience under the RSF arrangement.

"The authorities have also made good progress in the implementation of their reform agenda to strengthen climate resilience, including through the completion of reform measures under the RSF," the IMF advisor stated.

“Discussions also covered the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Pakistan’s economic outlook, the balance of payments and external financing needs amid volatile and rising energy prices and tighter global financial conditions."

The IMF said discussions between its team and Pakistani authorities will continue in the coming days with a view to concluding the review.
 
Mav3rick said:
It is not a dey really, we want some things, they want to consider befoure they either outright reject them or accept them, with conditions.

Talks are ongoing and as yet there is no indication that the next tranche will be delayed.
Click to expand...
You must be in the meeting
 
The IMF is who is really running Pakistan's economy and the Finance Ministry has been reduced to mere clerks.
 
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