ISLAMABAD: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has arrived in Islamabad to discuss the stalled ninth review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

According to details, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission arrived in Islamabad and the talks on ninth review of bailout programme will start today (Tuesday).

Pakistan secured a $6 billion IMF bailout in 2019, which was topped up with another $1 billion last year, but the lender then stalled disbursements in November due to Pakistan’s failure to make more progress on fiscal consolidation and economic reforms.

However, it is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif had said that the coalition government wants to complete the ninth review without any further delay and he had told IMF chief executive about Pakistan’s willingness. He made the statement while launching the ‘Youth Business and Agricultural Loan Scheme’ today.

“I have told the IMF chief executive that Pakistan is willing to complete the pending review and incorporate the conditions raised by it,” he added.

Earlier, in a statement, IMF Resident Representative for Pakistan Esther Perez Ruiz said: “At the request of the authorities, an in-person Fund mission is scheduled to visit Islamabad by month end.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 31 2023

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