IMF Assistance in FY2024-25 Budget Finalization Pakistan Prepares for Talks

the IMF’s mission has reached Islamabad to assist the finance ministry in finalizing the FY2024-25 budget.

The team will stay in Pakistan for more than 10 days, while other members of the IMF mission are likely to reach Pakistan on the night of May 16, the sources said.

The mission will hold talks with Islamabad for a fresh loan program.

Earlier sources said that the government had expedited preparations for the budget targets before the arrival of the IMF mission. In this regard, the Ministry of Finance has directed relevant ministries to complete targets expeditiously.

The sources said the framework for all important budgetary targets would be prepared and sent to the IMF.

According to sources, the approval of a strategic paper on the FY25 budget will also be sought from the federal cabinet before the arrival of the IMF mission.

Furthermore, an initial estimate will be prepared for loan repayments, government expenditures, pensions, and salaries. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will also determine defense expenditures and tax collection targets.