Islamabad (Commerce Desk): Negotiations for the third economic review between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund are expected to begin in the last ten days of this month, with the IMF review mission scheduled to visit Pakistan on February 25.
Sources indicate that the IMF team will assess the country’s economic performance and progress toward agreed targets for the period of July to December 2025. The mission will receive detailed briefings on tax reforms, the energy sector, monetary policy, and foreign exchange reserves.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan achieved its primary budget surplus, provincial cash surplus, and provincial tax targets; however, the tax target for July to December 2025 fell short by Rs 32.9 billion. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs 6,161 billion in taxes during this six-month period, while provinces contributed Rs 1,179 billion in cash surplus and collected over Rs 56.8 billion in taxes for the same period.
Sources also stated that the IMF will be updated on Pakistan’s privatization program, including developments related to PIA. Upon successful completion of the negotiations, Pakistan is expected to receive $1.2 billion through Executive Board approval, $1 billion under the EFF program, and $200 million through climate financing. To date, Pakistan has received a total of $3.3 billion under both programs.
