Pakistan’s economic recovery has gained credibility after the IMF praised stronger than expected growth, improved external balances and the country’s first current account surplus in fourteen years. The Fund notes that reserves are rising and inflation is contained, though climate risks and reform challenges persist.
Building on the 2023 Stand-by Arrangement, IMF staff and Pakistani authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on a 37-month Extended Fund Facility of about US$7 billion, aiming to cement macroeconomic stability, strengthen fiscal and monetary policy, broaden the tax base, improve SOE management, enhance competition, secure investment, enhance human capital, and expand social protection.
Per a new purchasing managers’ survey released by HBL and S&P, Pakistan’s manufacturing PMI rose to 50.9 in May, returning to expansion as new orders recovered and export orders posted their strongest rise since February 2025.
Pakistan’s major ports are seeing a sharp rise in container and transshipment activity as Gulf disruption redirects cargo towards Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar.
Iranian officials are preparing three days of farewell ceremonies and a 24-hour funeral procession for Ali Khamenei, with events expected in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad.
Trump reportedly warned Netanyahu against further escalation in Lebanon as US-Iran diplomacy faced renewed pressure, with Pakistan and Qatar involved in efforts to preserve a fragile regional framework.