Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to submit a comprehensive emergency economic plan in response to escalating regional tensions, officials said on Wednesday.
According to sources in the Ministry of Finance, the Ministries of Finance, Energy and Commerce will jointly draft the plan, outlining contingency measures and reform priorities for submission to the IMF as part of ongoing economic review talks in Islamabad.
The IMF has emphasized accelerating structural reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth, improve tax collection and strengthen fiscal discipline. Officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed the IMF delegation on the shortfall in tax revenue, acknowledging difficulties in achieving the revised target of Rs13,979 billion for the current fiscal year.
Discussions also covered proposed amendments to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules 2004, aimed at enhancing transparency in public procurement. Authorities informed the delegation about steps to expand the e-PAD system nationwide and ensure greater access to procurement data for oversight bodies, including the Competition Commission of Pakistan, the National Accountability Bureau, and the Auditor General.
In addition, talks focused on decisions taken by the government’s rightsizing committee to streamline public sector institutions. Officials said approximately 54,000 government positions are expected to be abolished by the end of 2025, generating estimated annual savings of Rs56 billion.
Virtual meetings between the IMF delegation and provincial authorities are also scheduled, as Pakistan seeks to maintain fiscal stability amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and external economic pressures.
