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.
The island nation will also be the first in Asia to undergo a 'governance diagnostic exercise' by the International Monetary Fund. First tranche of loan to be released in next few days.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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