IMF Asks Pakistan to Treat Foreign Investors Equally

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to adopt a standardized approach to treat foreign investors professionally and remove tax exemptions in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), sources told ProPakistani. According to sources, the IMF seeks a uniform investment policy for all countries, including Gulf nations and European countries to ensure equitable services for foreign investors. Sources the lender’s mission is scheduled to meet with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) on November 15 to discuss these proposed reforms. The mission also reviewed Pakistan’s SEZ policies and called for a comprehensive report on SEZ adjustments to be submitted by the following day. The IMF has so far raised concerns over Pakistan’s revenue shortfall, energy sector’s circular debt, and national fiscal policy. Discussions included reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the track and trace system for retailers, and strategies to meet fiscal targets. The IMF reiterated the importance of implementing agreed reforms to support continued financial assistance.