ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held key discussions on the upcoming federal budget as an IMF delegation arrived at the Ministry of Finance for consultative talks.
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, accompanied by the economic team, met the IMF mission led by Eva Petrová to review budget preparations and the overall economic situation.
According to the Ministry of Finance, detailed discussions were held on economic reforms, the government’s agenda for economic stability and sustainable growth, and the macroeconomic outlook. The meeting was also attended by State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, FBR Chairman, Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal, and other senior officials.
Earlier, the IMF delegation reached the Ministry of Finance following an introductory session marking the formal start of budget negotiations.
During the talks, both sides are expected to discuss new budget targets, tax revenue measures, financial reforms, energy sector reforms, and progress on privatization. The new federal budget will be prepared in consultation with the IMF mission.
Sources said several important meetings between the IMF and the Ministry of Finance have been scheduled, while separate talks with State Bank officials are also planned.
Preparations for the next fiscal year’s federal budget are expected to be completed by next week, with the budget being drafted in line with the current economic situation. The agreed targets will later be presented before Parliament for approval, as parliamentary endorsement of IMF-set targets remains a key condition.
The IMF delegation is scheduled to remain in Pakistan until May 20 for budget negotiations.
