ISLAMABAD – The International Monetary Fund has approved a 500 million dollar disbursement to Pakistan as part of the $6 billion bailout package it signed in July 2019.
A statement issued by the US-based lender stated that IMF Executive Board completed today the combined second through fifth reviews of the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan.
After reviewing #Pakistan’s reform program supported by the IMF Extended Fund Facility, the Fund’s Executive Board approved the immediate disbursement of about US$500 million for budget support. https://t.co/WFaSy51UYv
— IMF (@IMFNews) March 24, 2021
IMF Deputy Managing Director Antoinette Sayeh said that the latest payment brought total disbursements under the Extended Fund Facility to 2 billion dollars. Pakistan has continued making satisfactory progress under the program, the official further added.
Adding that while the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to pose novel challenges, the authorities’ policies have been critical in supporting the economy and saving livelihoods.
IMF, Pakistan agree ‘package of measures’ for 500m loan installment
Pakistan had signed the 39-month bailout program with the global monetary cooperation to avert a sovereign default because of a balance of payment crisis.
The authorities have also continued reforming corporate taxation and improving cost recovery in the power sector. The electricity prices have also been raised to contain debt in the sector.
Pakistan approves hike in power tariff to restart IMF loan programme
