An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has concluded its visit to Pakistan after holding important discussions with government officials in Islamabad. The mission, which ran from May 13 to May 20, 2026, focused on the country’s recent economic developments, preparations for the upcoming FY2027 budget, and progress on structural reforms under the ongoing IMF-supported programmes.
During the talks, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a primary budget surplus of 2% of GDP for the next fiscal year. The discussions also covered the impact of regional tensions in the Middle East on Pakistan’s economy, fiscal policy plans, and measures to improve tax collection, spending efficiency, and public financial management.
The IMF team, led by Iva Petrova, held constructive meetings with the Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Pakistan, and other relevant departments. Both sides also reviewed reforms in the energy sector, state-owned enterprises, and the financial sector to promote sustainable growth and attract private investment.
The State Bank of Pakistan reiterated its stance on maintaining a tight monetary policy to control inflation. The IMF emphasized the importance of exchange rate flexibility and deepening the foreign exchange market.
The next IMF mission to Pakistan is expected in the second half of 2026, which will include the Article IV consultation and reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).