Islamabad (Commerce Desk) – An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is expected to visit Pakistan next month to hold detailed discussions on the preparation of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and the country’s key economic targets.
Sources indicate that the biggest challenge for the IMF will be the weak performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), as repeated shortfalls in meeting tax targets continue to raise concerns about the institution.
The delegation is expected to press for expanding the tax net, increasing revenue, and ensuring the mandatory implementation of the digital tax system and invoicing to improve tax collections.
Additionally, consultations will focus on reforms in the energy sector, strategies to reduce circular debt, adjustments in electricity and gas tariffs, privatization programs, and reforms in public sector entities. Governance, transparency, and anti-corruption measures will also be reviewed.
Sources added that the IMF will decide on the release of the next tranche based on performance during the upcoming review, while failure to meet targets could result in additional conditions being imposed.
