ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have kicked off the second round of review talks on the current loan program today (Thursday), with discussions expected to include post-flood recovery and revenue enhancement strategies.
Insiders familiar with the matter revealed that the IMF delegation has already met with provincial authorities to evaluate potential measures for boosting provincial revenues. The goal is to fund relief initiatives for communities still struggling with the aftermath of devastating floods.
The IMF has also conducted a detailed assessment of flood-related damages in coordination with local officials. Final discussions regarding targeted relief proposals for affected populations are expected to take place in the coming days.
A key agenda item for these talks is the release of the next $1 billion tranche from the IMF’s financial package. Pakistan’s economic team concluded preparatory meetings earlier this week to present its economic performance and updated fiscal strategies.
The Pakistani government is anticipated to request leniency in some economic targets, citing significant disruptions caused by the floods. Officials are hopeful that the IMF will show understanding toward the country’s challenges.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has personally appealed to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to take the flood devastation into account during the ongoing program review. The appeal was made during their recent meeting on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
Sharif emphasized that despite the natural calamity, Pakistan has remained committed to fulfilling its obligations under the IMF agreement and is steadily progressing toward its economic goals
