Topic · Economy
Pakistan and the IMF
Pakistan’s programme with the International Monetary Fund: the money, the reviews, and the conditions behind every budget.
Stories on Pakistan and the IMF, page 2
April 2025
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3 Apr
NEWSROOM
PM Shehbaz Sharif announces big electricity price cuts for households and industries
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announces substantial cuts in electricity tariffs, reducing Rs 7.41 per unit for households and Rs 7.59 per unit for industries, easing economic pressures significantly.
March 2025
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26 Mar
NEWSROOM
Pakistan secures IMF funding boost, stock market surges in response
IMF and Pakistan agree on new $1.3 billion funding package, sparking a strong stock market rally with gains of over 1,400 points. Economic stability shows significant improvement over the past eighteen months, with inflation dropping to its lowest level in nearly a decade.
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12 Mar
NEWSROOM
Moody’s upgrades Pakistan’s economic outlook from stable to positive
Global credit rating agency Moody's upgraded Pakistan's economic outlook from 'stable' to 'positive', raising the country's credit rating from 'Caa3' to 'Caa2' amid improving financial stability.
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10 Mar
NEWSROOM
China extends loan repayment, boosting Pakistan’s economic outlook
China just extended Pakistan's $2 billion debt repayment, signalling brighter economic prospects for Pakistan.
January 2025
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10 Jan
NEWSROOM
Pakistan’s remittances hit record highs, driving economic recovery
Pakistan's remittances hit $3.1 billion in December 2024, marking a 29% increase compared to the previous year. Government reforms, currency stability, and economic recovery measures have boosted the confidence of overseas Pakistanis. Expect record growth ahead!
December 2024
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31 Dec
NEWSROOM
Shehbaz Sharif unveils ‘Uraan Pakistan’ plan for economic recovery
PM Shehbaz Sharif launched the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ plan to stabilise the economy, reduce IMF reliance, and drive growth through reforms. Highlighting past global isolation, he urged unity and cited India’s adoption of Nawaz Sharif’s model as a lesson.
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17 Dec
ANALYSIS
Bloomberg: Crackdown on illegal dollar trade lifts Pakistan’s remittances
Bloomberg reports Pakistan’s remittances surge after crackdown on illegal trade, boosting reserves and stabilising the rupee.
November 2024
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24 Nov
NEWSROOM
Pakistani stock market soars to global stardom as world’s second-best
The Pakistan Stock Exchange thrives on the global stage, ranking as the second-best performing market of 2024, just behind Argentina's S&P MERVAL Index. Political stability, IMF-backed reforms, and robust economic fundamentals have bolstered investor confidence.
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21 Nov
NEWSROOM
Sri Lanka’s president surprisingly backs IMF bailout amidst fragile recovery
Sri Lanka’s president pivots to support an IMF bailout, abandoning earlier promises to renegotiate; debt restructuring and fragile recovery are poised to drive this U-turn in Sri Lanka.
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1 Nov
NEWSROOM
PIA privatisation derailed by Blue World City’s shoddy $36mn bid
Pakistan's plan to privatise PIA faces a major setback as Blue World City’s PKR 10 billion bid falls significantly short of the government’s PKR 85 billion floor price. The October 31 bidding process revealed serious investor miscalculations and confusion over asset valuations.
October 2024
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31 Oct
NEWSROOM
Blue World City bids solo for stake in a troubled PIA
Blue World City has emerged as the sole bidder for a stake in an increasingly-troubled Pakistan International Airlines. Other investors have been pushed away from PIA due to inconsistent corporate governance and recently renegotiated contracts.
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25 Oct
EMIRATES
UAE partners with IMF, vows contribution to poverty alleviation, climate funds
The UAE has signed two agreements with the IMF, contributing to funds aimed at poverty reduction and climate resilience.
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25 Oct
EMIRATES
IMF pins UAE economic growth at 5.1% for FY2025
The UAE's economy is set to grow by 5.1% in 2025, driven by strong non-oil sectors and structural reforms, according to the IMF. Diversification and public investment are key growth factors.
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24 Oct
ANALYSIS
Imran Khan’s downfall apt; Khan caused mayhem in Pakistan, says British newspaper
Imran Khan is a symbol of chaos in Pakistan, not a political martyr. He came to power with military support and adopted authoritarian behavior, using Islamic values and anti-Western sentiments for political gain. Disqualifying him from the Oxford Chancellorship is the right decision, according to a British newspaper.
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18 Oct
SAUDI
Saudi Arabia economy to boost 4.9% next year driven by Vision 2030 reforms, says World Bank
Saudi Arabia’s economy is set for steady growth, says the World Bank, with GDP projected to rise to 4.9% by 2025, supported by Vision 2030 reforms and increasing female labour participation.
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14 Oct
SAUDI
Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia offers Pakistan $200bn share of construction contracts
Saudi Arabia plans to allocate a significant portion of its $200 billion annual construction contracts to Pakistan, strengthening economic ties between the two nations, and aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
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12 Oct
ANALYSIS
IMF report predicts brighter economic future for Pakistan after $7bn tranche
With improved fiscal stability, rising exports, and climate resilience efforts, Pakistan is poised for sustainable growth and relief from its debt cycle, says the IMF
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1 Oct
HOTSEAT
Zafar Hijazi exposes the judiciary’s role, pressure in the infamous Panama Papers scandal: The Thursday Times Exclusive
Talking to Hotseat from The Thursday Times, former SECP Chairman Zafar Hijazi reveals the judiciary's involvement in the 2017 Panama Papers case, the pressure he faced, and his decision to stand firm.
September 2024
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25 Sep
NEWSROOM
Pakistan Secures Final Approval for $7 Billion IMF Loan Program
Pakistan has received final approval to initiate a $7 billion loan program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), unlocking vital financial support to stabilize the country's recovery from a severe economic crisis.
July 2024
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13 Jul
NEWSROOM
Pakistan seals US$7bn deal with IMF to transform and stabilise economy once and for all
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.
