The IMF will also be informed of privatization efforts, including developments related to the PIA.
The government has recognized the need for a mini-budget if revenues do not meet expectations by the end of December 2025, according to the IMF. Photo: file
ISLAMABAD:
Negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin in the last week of this month, as Islamabad seeks to release fresh funds under its bailout package amid persistent fiscal pressures and slowing revenue dynamics.
An IMF assessment mission is expected to arrive on February 25 for a two-week stay, during which officials will assess economic performance from July to December 2025, as well as progress against agreed benchmarks on taxation, energy reforms, monetary policy and foreign exchange reserves.
While the authorities met targets for primary fiscal surplus and provincial cash balances, the federal fiscal target fell short by Rs 329 billion. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs6.161 billion over six months, according to official figures.
The provinces reported a combined cash surplus of 1,179 billion rupees and collected more than 568 billion rupees in taxes during the same period. The IMF will also be briefed on privatization efforts, including developments related to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
