IMF Completes Pakistan's EFF Review, Allows the country to draw a further USD 452.40 Million

News Image

By MG News | December 20, 2019 at 07:35 AM GMT+05:00

0:00

December 19, 2019 (MLN): The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on December 19, 2019 completed the first review of Pakistan’s economic performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The completion of the review will allow the authorities to draw SDR 328 million (about US$ 452.4 million), bringing total disbursements to SDR 1,044 million (about US$ 1,440 million).

The Executive Board approved the 39-month, SDR 4,268 million (about $6 billion at the time of approval of the arrangement, or 210 percent of quota) EFF for Pakistan on July 3, 2019.

Following the Executive Board’s decision, Mr. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“Pakistan’s program is on track and has started to bear fruit. However, risks remain elevated. Strong ownership and steadfast reform implementation are critical to entrench macroeconomic stability and support robust and balanced growth.

“The authorities are committed to sustaining the progress on fiscal adjustment to place debt on a downward path. The planned reforms include strengthening tax revenue mobilization, including the elimination of tax exemptions and loopholes, and prudent expenditure policies. Preparations for a comprehensive tax policy reform should start early to ensure timely implementation. Enhanced social safety nets will help alleviate social costs and build support for reforms.

“The flexible, market-determined exchange rate remains essential to cushion the economy against external shocks and rebuild reserve buffers. The current monetary stance is appropriately tight and should only be eased once disinflation is firmly entrenched. Strengthening the State Bank of Pakistan’s autonomy and governance will support these efforts.

“Faster progress is needed to improve the AML/CFT framework, supported by technical assistance from the IMF and other capacity development providers. Swift adoption of all the necessary measures is needed to exit the FATF’s list of jurisdictions with AML/CFT deficiencies.

“The authorities have adopted a comprehensive plan to address the accumulation of arrears in the power sector. Its full implementation is key to improve collection, reduce losses, and enhance governance. Timely and regular adjustment of energy tariffs will bring the sector in line with cost recovery.

‘Efforts are ongoing to further improve the business environment, strengthen governance, and foster private sector investment. Reform of the state-owned enterprise sector will help put Pakistan’s public finances on a sustainable path and have positive spillovers by leveling the playing field and improving the provision of services.”

 

Copyright Mettis Link News

Related News

Name Price/Vol %Chg/NChg
KSE100 130,686.66
280.01M
0.26%
342.63
ALLSHR 81,305.25
897.01M
0.35%
281.26
KSE30 39,945.45
114.02M
0.09%
37.19
KMI30 190,698.05
148.61M
0.61%
1163.05
KMIALLSHR 55,074.15
495.43M
0.53%
290.50
BKTi 34,568.40
28.73M
-1.07%
-372.33
OGTi 28,739.35
22.59M
1.57%
443.29
Symbol Bid/Ask High/Low
Name Last High/Low Chg/%Chg
BITCOIN FUTURES 110,225.00 110,525.00
110,105.00
-190.00
-0.17%
BRENT CRUDE 68.77 68.89
68.73
-0.03
-0.04%
RICHARDS BAY COAL MONTHLY 97.50 0.00
0.00
-0.75
-0.76%
ROTTERDAM COAL MONTHLY 108.45 109.80
108.45
-0.55
-0.50%
USD RBD PALM OLEIN 998.50 998.50
998.50
0.00
0.00%
CRUDE OIL - WTI 67.02 67.18
66.99
0.02
0.03%
SUGAR #11 WORLD 16.37 16.40
15.44
0.79
5.07%

Chart of the Day


Latest News
July 03, 2025 at 10:04 PM GMT+05:00

SBP reserves rise around to $13bn


July 03, 2025 at 05:39 PM GMT+05:00

Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs800 per tola


July 03, 2025 at 05:17 PM GMT+05:00

Microsoft exits Pakistan after 25 years


July 03, 2025 at 04:43 PM GMT+05:00

Privatisation Commission approves advisors for ZTBL


July 03, 2025 at 04:11 PM GMT+05:00

PSX Closing Bell: Holding Ground



Top 5 things to watch in this week

Pakistan Stock Movers
Name Last Chg/%Chg
Name Last Chg/%Chg