The IMF will also be briefed on privatization efforts, including developments related to PIA
The government has accepted 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:
Talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin in the last week of this month as Islamabad seeks to free up new funds under its bailout program amid persistent fiscal pressures and slowing revenue momentum.
An IMF review mission is scheduled to arrive on February 25 for a two-week stay, during which officials will assess economic performance from July to December 2025, along with progress on agreed benchmarks covering taxation, energy reforms, monetary policy and foreign reserves.
While the authorities met the primary budget surplus and provincial cash balance targets, the federal tax target fell short by Rs329 billion. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs6.161 billion over six months, according to official figures.
Provinces reported a total cash surplus of Rs1.179 billion and collected more than Rs568 billion in taxes during the same period. The IMF will also be briefed on privatization efforts, including developments related to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
