The International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board will meet on May 9 to decide whether to disburse a $1.1 billion loan tranche to Pakistan.
The IMF board has taken a significant step by following a staff-level agreement reached in March, which is crucial for Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform program. Approval of this tranche will provide essential external financing and enhance market confidence.
The upcoming decision is part of a broader financial package, including $1.3 billion in climate financing and a new 28-month programme, raising total IMF support to $2.3 billion. The agreement also introduces the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, focusing on long-term challenges like climate risks and energy sector reforms.
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Pakistan’s government has committed to continuing economic reforms, reducing public debt, and strengthening resilience against natural disasters. The IMF emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline, improved water management, environmental goals, and expanding social safety nets such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The announcement of the IMF board meeting positively impacted the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), which recovered 135 points after an initial dip, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic risks, the IMF programme is vital for stabilising Pakistan’s economy and supporting sustainable growth.