- Focus on economic developments, reforms, the 2027 budgetary strategy.
- The SBP reiterates its commitment to tight monetary policy.
- The objective of anchoring inflation expectations remains the top priority.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission concluded its discussions with Finance Ministry officials on Wednesday, focusing on economic developments, fiscal plans for the next fiscal year (FY 2027-28) and progress on reforms under the programs supported by the Fund, it said in a statement.
The IMF said authorities in Islamabad are committed to achieving a primary surplus target of 2% of gross domestic product for the 2027 financial year.
The fund team, led by Advisor Iva Petrova, visited Islamabad from May 13-20 for discussions focused on economic developments, reform progress and the impact of conflict-related disruptions in the Middle East.
In early May, the IMF allowed the South Asian country to access about $1.32 billion in new financing. The country benefits from a $7 billion IMF program.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is committed to maintaining a “sufficiently restrictive monetary policy” to anchor inflation expectations and will continue to closely monitor possible secondary effects of rising energy prices, the IMF said.
Discussions on the 2027 fiscal budget are expected to continue in the coming days, the fund added.
The IMF said its next mission, which will include consultations and reviews under certain conditions, is planned for the second half of 2026.
