Pakistan, IMF Near Staff-Level Agreement on $7 Billion Loan Programme

Pakistan and IMF make significant progress toward a Staff-Level Agreement on the $7 Billion loan programme under the EFF. [Image via Business Recorder]

ISLAMABAD  –  Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have made significant progress towards reaching a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) on the first review of the $7 billion loan programme.

“The IMF and the Pakistani authorities made significant progress toward reaching a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) on the first review under the 37-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF),” IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan Nathan Porter said in a statement on Saturday.

“Program implementation has been strong, and the discussions have made considerable progress in sever-al areas including the planned fiscal consolidation to durably reduce public debt, maintenance of sufficiently tight monetary policy to maintain low inflation, acceleration of cost-reducing reforms to improve energy sec-tor viability, and implementation of Pakistan’s structural reform agenda to accelerate growth, while strengthening social protection and rebuilding health and education spending.

“Progress has also been made in discussions on the authorities’ climate reform agenda, which aims to re-duce vulnerabilities from natural disasters-related risks, and accompanying reforms which could be sup-ported under a possible arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

“The mission and the authorities will continue policy discussions virtually to finalise these discussions over the coming days,” he added. “The IMF team is grateful to the Pakistani authorities, private sector, and de-velopment partners for fruitful discussions and their hospitality throughout this mission.”

Also See: Pakistan, IMF Complete Technical-Level Talks For Next $7 Billion Tranche

This news is sourced from The Nation and is intended for informational purposes only.

News Desk

Your trusted source for insightful journalism. Stay informed with our compelling coverage of global affairs, business, technology, and more.

Recent

What is the Durand Line?

What is Durand Line?

The Durand Line, a 2,670-kilometer border drawn in 1893 between Afghanistan and British India, remains one of South Asia’s many contentious frontiers. Rejected by every Afghan government but recognized internationally, it symbolizes the region’s colonial legacy and ongoing power struggles. This backgrounder explores its origins in the Great Game, the legal and political controversies surrounding it, and its lasting impact on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and regional security.

Read More »
Can war against terror be won without political consensus?

Can war against terror be won without political consensus?

For over two decades, Pakistan has battled the scourge of terrorism. Yet, despite military successes, the absence of political consensus continues to jeopardize lasting peace. As divisions deepen and populist narratives gain ground, the question remains: can Pakistan truly defeat terror without unity at the top?

Read More »
Shifting Sands: How Multipolar Pragmatism Is Redefining Global Alliances

Shifting Sands: How Multipolar Pragmatism Is Redefining Global Alliances

The world is entering an era of multipolar pragmatism where ideology no longer defines alliances. From NATO’s internal divides to BRICS expansion and regional realignments, states now pursue transactional partnerships driven by national interests. This fluid diplomacy creates both opportunities for middle powers and uncertainty in global governance.

Read More »
Afghan Taliban and Cross Border Terrorism in Pakistan

Afghan Taliban and Cross Border Terrorism in Pakistan

Pakistan is witnessing a sharp rise in terrorist attacks linked to the Afghan Taliban’s support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A new study reveals that Afghan nationals now dominate TTP infiltration groups, exposing Kabul’s complicity in cross-border militancy. As violence escalates, Islamabad must balance border control, diplomacy, and de-radicalisation to counter

Read More »
The New Normal: End of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint

The New Normal: End of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint

Any hope surrounding the Pakistan–Afghanistan dialogue in Doha is colliding with renewed violence and mutual distrust. Pakistan’s recent precision strikes in Paktika, following a shattered ceasefire and terrorist attacks, signal a shift toward active defense. The talks now hinge on whether Kabul can curb militant sanctuaries and move beyond its victim narrative.

Read More »