Karachi: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Wednesday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board is expected to approve Pakistan’s next loan tranche in early December 2025.
IMF Tranche Approval Expected
Speaking at the 9th Edition of The Future Summit titled “Course Correction: Redefining The Direction”, Aurangzeb said the IMF would likely approve a $1.2 billion disbursement. The amount includes $1 billion under the 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $200 million from the 28-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Pakistan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement (SLA) in Washington in mid-October after completing the second economic review under the EFF.
Investor Confidence Rising
Aurangzeb highlighted the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (OICCI) latest business survey, which showed growing investor confidence. “Seventy-three percent of CEOs from foreign firms view Pakistan as a viable investment destination, up from 61% in the previous survey,” he said. He added that endorsement from existing investors was vital for attracting new foreign direct investment. “If current investors are satisfied, new ones will follow,” he remarked.
Economic Stability and Global Support
Aurangzeb said Pakistan had achieved macroeconomic stability with strong backing from traditional partners, including China, the US, GCC states, and Saudi Arabia. “They have provided crucial funding and bilateral support that helped Pakistan reach the 37-month EFF with the IMF,” he noted.
Focus on Investment and Technology
He emphasized the need to shift towards trade and investment-led growth, supported by the private sector. Aurangzeb identified minerals, IT, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals as key sectors for new investments. He also revealed that Pakistan was deploying AI-based monitoring to curb corruption and tax leakages, expanding it from sugar and banking to tobacco and beverage sectors.
The finance minister added that Pakistan registered 900,000 new taxpayers during the 2025 tax year, signaling progress in documentation.
