Pakistan, IMF Kick Off Talks for $1.2 Billion Loan Tranche

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have begun negotiations at the Ministry of Finance for the release of an additional $1.2 billion loan tranche. The IMF has requested progress reports on anti-money laundering measures and steps taken to prevent corruption. Sources told ProPakistani that the IMF delegation will also be briefed on efforts to enhance governance and transparency. Discussions are expected to cover the declaration of assets by federal officers from grades 17 to 22, access to asset statements of provincial officials, and the establishment of anti-money laundering enforcement agencies at the provincial level. The government will also update the IMF on the implementation of the National Fiscal Package, measures to increase transparency in development projects, and developments in the capital market. Sources added that Islamabad will inform the IMF about delays in the governance and corruption risk assessment report.