ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Economic review negotiations between Pakistan’s economic team and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) began today, marking a crucial phase in ongoing financial discussions between the two sides. Sources said an introductory session between the economic team and the IMF delegation has commenced, during which officials will brief the visiting mission on progress in the country’s economic situation. The talks with the IMF mission are scheduled to continue until next week. According to the Ministry of Finance, the IMF delegation is being led by Mission Chief Eva Petrova and expert Maher Binnici, while Pakistan’s economic team is headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Governor State Bank and the Finance Secretary, along with other senior officials, are also participating. Discussions are focused on Pakistan’s economic outlook and overall performance.
IMF review mission arrives in Pakistan for key economic assessment
During the briefing, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that macroeconomic and financial stability are strengthening. He noted that fiscal discipline has improved and reserve buffers have stabilized through rebuilding efforts. Inflation, he added, has moderated and shifted toward a path of sustainable export-led growth. The first round of negotiations with the review mission began in Karachi on February 25. The IMF has sought a report from the government regarding the revenue shortfall. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will present a report on tax collection during the talks, as tax revenue has recorded a shortfall of Rs457 billion in the first eight months of the fiscal year. Sources said the mission will be briefed on the reasons behind reduced collections in sales tax, income tax, and other revenues.Separate meetings between the review mission and various ministries and divisions are also scheduled. Progress on power sector reforms and related targets will also be reviewed. A report on the implementation of circular debt reduction targets in the power sector will be presented, while losses of electricity distribution companies will come under discussion. Government measures regarding corruption and governance reforms are likewise part of the negotiations.
