Tag: IMF

IMF Assured: Power and Gas Subsidies to Be Targeted Through BISP Framework

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New-IMF

ISLAMABAD: The government has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that electricity and gas subsidies will be aligned with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to ensure that only low-income households benefit from the relief, sources in the Finance Ministry revealed. The move is part of broader energy sector reforms aimed at reducing inefficient consumption, curbing losses, and supporting Pakistan’s climate mitigation goals. The current subsidy structure—characterized by blanket tariff differentials and cross-subsidies—has led to overconsumption and has often benefited wealthier consumers, undermining the sector’s financial viability. By January 2027,…

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Pakistan, IMF Agree on Carbon Levy, Tariff Reductions in New $8.3bn Deal

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New-IMF

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached an agreement on a new 28-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) worth $1.3 billion, bringing the total IMF support for the country to $8.3 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The agreement, announced Wednesday, includes key economic reforms such as a new carbon levy, lower electricity tariffs, and reduced protectionism in the automobile sector. Subject to IMF Executive Board approval, the deal will grant Pakistan immediate access to $1 billion, increasing total disbursements under the EFF to $2 billion.…

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Pakistan, IMF Reach Staff-Level Agreement on Loan Review, Secure $1.3bn Climate Fund

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New-IMF

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reached a staff-level agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the first review of its ongoing 37-month, $7 billion bailout programme and secured a new $1.3 billion climate resilience fund, the IMF announced on Tuesday. The new 28-month arrangement under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) will provide Pakistan with funding to support climate adaptation and resilience-building reforms. Pending board approval, the agreement will unlock $1 billion under the existing Extended Fund Facility (EFF), bringing total disbursements under the bailout to $2 billion. “Pakistan…

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Govt Raises Gas Tariffs for Captive Power Plants Under IMF Pressure

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Gas-IMF

Key Points: ‘Grid levy’ on industrial captive power plants (CPPs) to increase incrementally until August 2026. IMF dissatisfied with power sector reforms and privatisation timeline; agricultural tax under review. ISLAMABAD: In a major policy shift, the government has notified a 23% increase in gas rates for industrial captive power plants (CPPs) and postponed a significant reduction in electricity tariffs to continue negotiations with the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission. The move comes as Pakistan seeks the disbursement of approximately $1.1 billion in the coming weeks. A senior official…

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Pakistan & the IMF: A Cycle of Dependency or a Path to Reform?By Asad Ali Shah

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New-IMF

Amid ongoing economic and political uncertainty, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads—struggling to navigate its 25th IMF program while confronting deep-rooted structural challenges. While IMF programs provide short-term stabilization, they fail to address the real cause of Pakistan’s deepening insolvency—our lack of productivity and innovation to drive export-led growth. Instead of making the economy more competitive, these programs lead to policies that further erode our global competitiveness, leaving Pakistan more dependent on external support rather than fostering self-sustaining growth. I had the privilege of discussing these critical issues with Dr.…

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