Amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis, IMF in 2023 approved a nearly $3 bn facility to assist its efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by restoring fiscal & debt sustainability'.
For the Pakistani economy, the IMF bailout is key to its economy. In the week ending 25 April, Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves stood at $15.25 billion.
Pakistan's Punjab govt has tabled legislation that could see rates as high as 45%. Agricultural income tax hikes among measures prescribed to raise revenue under $7bn IMF bailout deal.
In 2023, Pakistan was grappling with the risk of debt default, unprecedented inflation, record-high yields on government bills, and political instability. But 2024 is all set to be a happy new year.
The currency has lost about 6% of its value against the dollar in the first three weeks of Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s tenure, as he faces economic challenges and IMF terms.
Islamabad has taken a slew of policy measures since an IMF team arrived in Pakistan earlier this year, including a revised 2023-24 budget last week to meet the lender's demands.
The budget is being closely watched by the International Monetary Fund as the South Asian country seeks further bailout money during an economic and balance of payments crisis.
Despite multiple agencies being involved, the US could maintain a clear chain of command. This is something India should consider too, as it defines the theatre command structures.
The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.
Venezuela also boasts of a diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and being employed for kinetic purposes as well.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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