Aurangzeb says IMF review talks expected this month

ISLAMABAD (News Desk): Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Wednesday that talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the third review of Pakistan’s programme are expected to take place by the end of the current month.

Speaking during an informal media interaction, the finance minister said Pakistan has already shared its external financing plan with the IMF. “We are committed to the external financing plan handed over to the IMF,” he stated.

Responding to a question about the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Aurangzeb said discussions on the matter are ongoing. He added that a meeting of the NFC could be convened following sessions of the technical committee.

Read More: Corruption Draining Rs. 1 Trillion Annually: Finance Minister

The minister also confirmed that the United Arab Emirates’ $3 billion support remains in place. According to recent reports, the UAE has rolled over a $2 billion loan to Pakistan for one month, while Islamabad has requested an extension of the full $3 billion facility for a longer duration.

Aurangzeb further said that Pakistan’s inaugural Panda Bond issuance in China is planned after the annual vacation period. The bond programme, valued at around $1 billion, is aimed at diversifying the country’s funding sources and supporting long-term debt sustainability.