ISLAMABAD – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan will formally begin their review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on Monday, September 29, in a process that carries major implications for the country’s economic stability.
Ahead of the formal discussions, an informal technical-level meeting took place on Thursday where the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed the IMF team on revenue data and fiscal performance. The session, held at a local hotel in Islamabad, was led by the FBR chairman and focused on progress toward tax collection goals, strategies to minimize shortfalls, and the challenges created by recent floods that disrupted economic activity.
According to officials, the FBR provided detailed updates on revenue achievements during the first quarter of the fiscal year, while also acknowledging potential gaps. The IMF delegation listened closely as Pakistan’s tax authorities outlined measures being implemented to strengthen compliance and broaden the tax base.
Over the coming days, the IMF mission will also engage with the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan, alongside scheduled sessions with provincial governments. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is expected to meet the IMF delegation on Monday to assess the outcomes of the technical talks and present the government’s fiscal roadmap.
The IMF mission, led by Ms. Iva Petrova, Pakistan’s Mission Chief at the Fund, will also evaluate progress under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The outcome of these discussions will play a vital role in shaping the country’s economic trajectory in the months ahead.