Govt Shares Critical Economic Data With IMF Mission

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday engaged in formal discussions as part of the ongoing first review of the country’s economy under the lender’s $7 billion loan program. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the Pakistani side, while the IMF team was headed by Mission Chief Nathan Porter. During the meeting, Pakistani officials presented economic indicators covering the period from July to February. The briefing included an assessment of the fiscal deficit, primary balance, provincial surpluses, and revenue collection trends. Data shared with the IMF delegation showed that the fiscal deficit stood at Rs. 1,537 billion from July to December. Representatives from key finance divisions—including the Economic Wing, Budget Wing, External Finance Wing, Regulations Wing, and the Directorate General of Debt—participated in the discussions. Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial shared insights on revenue collection. FBR officials and board members also contributed to the talks.