Trends - IMF Loan

Situationer: What to expect ahead of crucial IMF review

The caretakers have received their share of praise, but an "invisible hand" and its "magic wand" are also at play.

Updated 29 Oct, 2023 08:03am

Caretaker govt to begin talks with IMF on quarterly review next month, Senate committee told

Senate panel chairman says Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar stressed need for charter of economy, fears increase in petrol price will "mess up" plan.

Published 28 Sep, 2023 10:07pm

Our trysts with IMF

What kind of policy actions are needed to reduce our dependency on the Fund?

Updated 22 Sep, 2023 09:56am

IMF chief asks Kakar to ‘tax rich, protect the poor’

PM meets Chinese VP and UN chief; hopes for greater US "engagement" with China.

Updated 22 Sep, 2023 08:47am

Govt on track to conclude IMF review: finance ministry rebuts report on financing gap

Says the report “misrepresents” the country’s external financing requirements and interest payments for the current fiscal year.

Updated 21 Sep, 2023 12:05am

IMF pressure spurs prompt actions in gas sector

Rs10bn subsidy planned to protect the poor in Balochistan; more cash proposed for urban BISP recipients.

Updated 19 Sep, 2023 07:28am

‘Baseless and fabricated’: FO rejects report on Pakistani arms sale to Ukraine to secure IMF bailout

Says giving "any other colour" to IMF talks is "disingenuous", Pakistan maintains a policy of “strict neutrality” on Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Published 18 Sep, 2023 11:21pm

Understanding this crisis

The current crisis is very different from past ones in nature, scope as well as severity.

Updated 14 Sep, 2023 09:21am

IMF doesn’t proscribe targeted subsidies for poor, says PM Kakar

The interim premier seeks PIA restructuring plan, orders steps to curb irregular border crossings.

Updated 06 Sep, 2023 07:35am

The unending slide of the rupee: An explainer

Market is now left wondering if substantial backing of the IMF cannot bolster the rupee, who or what can.

Published 04 Sep, 2023 06:06pm

Pakistan needs energy reforms to break free of debt: US official

Elizabeth Horst says Washington helping Islamabad on economic front.

Updated 03 Sep, 2023 10:45am

Finance minister says economic situation ‘worse than anticipated’, no fiscal space available for subsidies

Shamshad Akhtar says interim set-up has "inherited" the IMF programme and hence it is "non-negotiable".

Published 30 Aug, 2023 05:10pm

US diplomat Nuland assures Pakistan of support to stabilise economy, continued engagement with IMF

In phone call with FM Jilani, US official discusses importance of timely, free and fair elections in manner consistent with Pakistan's Constitution.

Updated 30 Aug, 2023 10:40pm

Information minister says govt engaging with IMF on relief for electricity consumers

Solangi says decisions expected to be announced in few hours; move comes after protests over exorbitant bills on back of significant increase in national average tariff.

Updated 30 Aug, 2023 02:53pm

Dollar ascends above Rs320 in open market

PKR closes at Rs302 in interbank market.

Updated 29 Aug, 2023 04:52pm

Pakistan required to keep SOEs under finance ministry oversight: IMF

Pakistan has been discussing outsourcing of operations of several of its state-owned assets, including airports.

Published 23 Aug, 2023 10:59pm

Interim govt hikes petrol, diesel prices by up to Rs20

Petrol price raised to Rs290.45, high speed diesel's to Rs293.40.

Published 16 Aug, 2023 12:21am

Prior to $3bn deal approval, IMF’s reservation was that polls be held on time: PPP’s Mandviwalla

IMF had held consultations with political parties before it approved a new loan programme for Pakistan earlier this month.

Published 22 Jul, 2023 11:26pm

Pakistan’s growth to reach 5pc in medium term with sustained reforms, financial support: IMF

Staff report says growth is likely to “pick up moderately” in current fiscal year, urges Pakistan to continue monetary policy tightening cycle.

Updated 18 Jul, 2023 10:31pm

IMF chief assures PM Shehbaz global lender will ‘continue to help Pakistan’

In phone call with Kristalina Georgieva, PM Shehbaz expresses gratitude for her support, assistance in materialising $3bn deal.

Updated 14 Jul, 2023 11:47pm

‘A lifeline, but conditions apply’: Analysts weigh in on IMF’s approval of $3bn deal for Pakistan

Economists emphasise that while IMF nod for new loan programme provides country with much-needed breathing space, govt needs to focus on reforms.

Published 13 Jul, 2023 12:43am

IMF board approves critical $3bn loan for Pakistan

Allows for an immediate disbursement of $1.2bn; PM Shehbaz terms development a "major step forward".

Updated 13 Jul, 2023 12:00am

Fitch upgrades Pakistan’s rating citing ‘improved external liquidity’

Says the upgrade reflects Pakistan's improved funding conditions following its staff-level agreement with IMF.

Updated 10 Jul, 2023 06:56pm

Burdening distressed commoners

PBC CEO says wholesalers, retailers and undocumented real estate sector spared taxes due to political reasons.

Updated 10 Jul, 2023 08:34am

PPP’s Raza Rabbani terms IMF’s meetings with political parties ‘erosion of political sovereignty’

Equates situation to "return of the East India Company, when notables were asked to support the company’s policies".

Updated 08 Jul, 2023 08:45pm

IMF team holds meeting with PTI leadership at Zaman Park residence in Lahore

Hammad Azhar says discussions took place around staff-level pact on new standby arrangement; PTI chief says will "endorse" new deal until next govt is formed.

Updated 07 Jul, 2023 11:56pm