IMF Pushes for Stricter Budget Monitoring and Live Tracking of Development Funds

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to adopt more effective public finance management methods for monitoring budget expenditure and live tracking of development funds, well-informed sources told ProPakistani. The IMF technical delegation currently visiting Pakistan has called for further improvements in budget monitoring using modern models. During a briefing by the Ministry of Finance, the delegation was informed about the current budget release strategy and monitoring system for the development sector. A proposal to establish a dedicated cell for live tracking of project fund disbursements in the upcoming budget was also discussed. Sources said the IMF and Finance Division will jointly oversee the release of funds for all projects. There’s also a proposal under consideration to restrict new funding until previously allocated funds are fully used. Additionally, the IMF delegation provided several recommendations for the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and reviewed the entire budget-making process through the budget call circular.