In Islamabad, discussions regarding ‘management of imports’, between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission have reached their final stages. Policy-level dialogues between Pakistani authorities and the IMF are scheduled to take place starting today and will continue until November 15. The delegation from Pakistan will be led by the caretaker finance minister, Shamshad Akhtar.

Reports indicate that the IMF will engage in discussions with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) today. The SIFC is expected to provide insights into foreign direct investment in Pakistan, while the Ministry of Finance will address the shortfall in external financing. Foreign direct investment is anticipated to cover the deficit, but the IMF has expressed concerns regarding import controls.

The negotiation agenda encompasses topics such as increasing revenue, reducing expenditures, managing dollar inflows, instituting reforms, implementing the National Clean Air Policy and National Climate Finance Strategy, addressing exchange rates, issuing sukuk bonds for new loans, handling T-bills and investment bonds, outlining energy plans during the loan program, devising a non-subsidy plan for the sector, implementing measures to reduce the budget deficit, and instituting rebasing, adjustment, and reductions in revolving credit for the power and petroleum sectors.

According to sources, the success of these negotiations will lead the mission to recommend the release of a 71 million dollar installment.

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