Islamabad: In recent meetings held in Washington DC, a Pakistani delegation, including Secretary Finance Imdad Ullah Bosal and Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmed, briefed International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials on comprehensive economic reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s fiscal and monetary stability. The discussions with IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura highlighted initiatives such as tax base expansion, subsidy rationalization, and energy sector cost reductions.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the delegation outlined significant measures to the IMF, focusing on aligning provincial agriculture income tax with the federal regime, rightsizing the government, and stimulating private sector growth. They also emphasized efforts in building climate resilience and maintaining prudent external sector policies.

Further interactions included a productive session with Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department. The Pakistani team expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support, particularly referencing the recent approval of a seven billion dollar Extended Fund Facility which aims to transition Pakistan from stabilization to economic growth. Azour commended Pakistan on the successful initiation of the Fund program and stressed the importance of continuing with the proposed reforms.