IMF Approves Rs. 389 Billion Emergency Fund for PM’s Flood Relief Package

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given the green light for the Pakistani government to introduce a Prime Minister’s relief package worth Rs. 389 billion from emergency funds, official sources told ProPakistani. Preliminary damage estimates from the recent floods have started to come in from the provinces. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported initial losses between Rs. 40 and Rs. 50 billion, with a final estimate of Rs. 30 billion. Sindh has put its preliminary flood damage at Rs. 40 billion. Discussions between the IMF delegation and provincial officials have focused on budget surpluses, losses, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. Sources say a relief package for flood-affected people is under consideration, and provincial governments will share their final damage data with the IMF. Talks with Punjab officials are scheduled for today. The IMF has also demanded the immediate publication of the Corruption and Diagnostic Assessment Report, but the Ministry of Finance has requested more time to release it. Additionally, the IMF is pressing for the public disclosure of assets held by military, judicial officers, and civil bureaucracy. The IMF was briefed on FBR transformation and measures regarding politically exposed persons, with requests made for amendments in the report. The Fund has also called for granting full institutional autonomy to the Auditor General of Pakistan and has asked the Ministry of Finance to separate tax policy from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).