A crucial IMF review mission is set to arrive in Pakistan on February 25, 2026, for a two-week evaluation. This mission is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to secure additional funding under its bailout program amid ongoing fiscal challenges and decelerating revenue growth.
The IMF team will scrutinize Pakistan’s economic performance from July to December 2025, focusing on critical areas such as taxation, energy reforms, monetary policy, and foreign exchange reserves. Despite meeting targets for the primary budget surplus and provincial cash balances, the federal tax revenue fell short by Rs329 billion, with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collecting Rs6,161 billion over six months.
Provincial authorities reported a combined cash surplus of Rs1,179 billion, alongside tax collections exceeding Rs568 billion during the same timeframe. Discussions will also cover privatization efforts, including developments concerning Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
These meetings are pivotal as Pakistan seeks to demonstrate compliance with IMF benchmarks, which are essential for unlocking further financial support. The outcomes of this review could significantly impact Pakistan’s economic policies and its ability to navigate current fiscal pressures.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 16th, 2026
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