IMF and Pakistan seal agreement on $3 billion SBA, await board approval

In a significant development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declared on Wednesday that its team and Pakistani authorities have successfully concluded the initial review of the $3 billion, nine-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).

This staff-level agreement awaits the approval of the IMF Executive Board.

Upon endorsement, approximately US$700 million (SDR 528 million) will be accessible, contributing to a cumulative disbursement of nearly US$1.9 billion under the programme.

A delegation from the IMF, led by Nathan Porter, conducted discussions in Islamabad from November 2–15, 2023, focusing on the inaugural review of Pakistan’s economic programme supported by the IMF SBA.

The nascent recovery, supported by international partners and enhanced confidence indicators, is attributed to the stabilizing policies outlined in the SBA.

The disciplined implementation of the FY24 budget, ongoing adjustments in energy prices, and increased inflows into the foreign exchange (FX) market have alleviated fiscal and external pressures.

The IMF anticipates a decline in inflation in the upcoming months, driven by diminishing supply constraints and modest demand.

Nevertheless, Pakistan remains exposed to significant external risks, including heightened geopolitical tensions, escalating commodity prices, and potential tightening in global financial conditions.

It is imperative to persist in efforts to enhance resilience in the face of these challenges, according to the international lender