IMF Mission to Land in Pakistan for First Review

The International Monetary Fund’s nine-member team, led by Nathan Porter,  will be landing in Islamabad on Monday to review Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout program. Their two-week visit will wrap up on March 15, with initial technical talks creating room for advanced policy negotiations. The review will determine whether Pakistan gets the next $1 billion tranche.

The Finance Ministry, along with other stakeholders like the Energy and Planning Ministries, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and the Federal Board of Revenue, will also be having discussions. Expect discussions with Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), NEPRA – National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, and other regulators too. The IMF in addition to reviewing will be giving out recommendations for the upcoming budget as well.

Unfortunately, any tax reliefs for the salaried class will also have to be given the thumbs-up from the IMF.