ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A Pakistani delegation, including Secretary Finance Imdad Ullah Bosal and Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmed, held meetings with the IMF’s Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura in Washington, DC.
The discussions focused on measures to expand fiscal space and reforms aimed at stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. Key topics included broadening the tax base, aligning provincial agriculture income tax with the federal tax system, rationalizing subsidies, and reducing energy sector costs.
The delegation also outlined the government’s strategies for rightsizing the government, promoting private sector growth, and building climate resilience through Resilience and Sustainability financing.
The delegation also met with the IMF’s Director for the Middle East and Central Asia, Jihad Azour. They expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support, particularly for the recently approved $7 billion Extended Fund Facility.
The Pakistani officials emphasized the government’s efforts in fiscal consolidation, revenue expansion, and energy sector reforms, which are essential for transitioning from stabilization to economic growth.
IMF representatives congratulated Pakistan on the successful implementation of initial reforms, stressing the need for continued commitment to further economic improvements, particularly in energy and state-owned enterprise (SOE) reforms.
This engagement highlights Pakistan’s commitment to meeting IMF conditions to ensure long-term economic stability.
