ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed Pakistan’s intention to secure the largest and most extensive program ever from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s aim to negotiate a substantial IMF loan commensurate with its quota.

He underscored the government’s priority of improving Pakistan’s economy over reliance on the IMF. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s strong commitment to revitalize the struggling economy was highlighted, with Aurangzeb commending the caretaker government’s efforts in meeting IMF targets.

Addressing concerns about the disbursement of the final tranche of $1.1 billion under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) program, Pakistan’s finance minister assured that there would be no obstacles. An IMF mission is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad to conduct an economic review of Pakistan’s $3 billion SBA. Talks are slated to take place from March 14 to March 18.

The newly appointed Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb has authorized negotiations with the IMF for both the SBA and a potential new loan program.