Karachi: Final approval of Pakistan’s much-anticipated $ 7 billion bailout package from the Monetary Fund (IMF) remains uncertain, as IMF Executive Board’s schedule until August 28 has been released.

Notably, Pakistan’s name has yet to be included in board’s agenda, raising concerns about timeline for disbursement of loan. Despite exclusion, sources indicate that Executive Board has discretion to add agenda items outside of official schedule, leaving room for optimism. This development follows staff-level agreement between Pakistan and IMF, which was signed on July 12. Finance Minister has hinted at possibility of board meeting taking place at end of month, potentially offering relief to country’s struggling economy. Officials explain that typically, after staff-level agreement is reached, Executive Board meets within four to six weeks to finalise agreement. New IMF loan programme, set to span over 37 months, is expected to provide critical financial support to Pakistan, helping to stabilise economy, boost foreign reserves and address ongoing fiscal challenges.  However, until Executive Board gives its formal approval, Pakistan’s financial outlook remains in state of flux.  According to IMF statement, programme aims at capitalising on hard-won macroeconomic stability achieved over past year, by intensifying efforts to enhance public finances, curb inflation, rebuild external buffers and eliminate economic distortions to promote private sector-led growth.