Pakistan, China review IMF support, panda bond plans

April 17, 2026 (MLN):  Pakistan and China reaffirmed their close financial cooperation and discussed key macroeconomic developments, including IMF support, Panda bond issuance plans, and ongoing economic stability measures during a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met Dr. Pan Gongsheng, President of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), in Washington, where both sides reviewed Pakistan’s economic progress and bilateral financial engagement, according to a press release issued.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for Pakistan at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), particularly within the IMF Executive Board.

Senator Aurangzeb informed the PBOC President that Pakistan has reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF for the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), with final approval expected soon.

He also updated Dr. Pan on Pakistan’s plans for its inaugural Panda bond issuance and requested expedited approval from the National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII).

The Finance Minister noted that Pakistan has successfully met its Eurobond repayment obligations and highlighted recent financial support received from Saudi Arabia. He also briefed on the economic impact of regional tensions and steps being taken, including targeted subsidies and demand management measures.

Dr. Pan reaffirmed China’s support and extended an invitation to Senator Aurangzeb to visit Beijing in the near future.

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