Pakistan secures $7 bln agreement with IMF

• Pakistan secured $7 billion, 37-month agreement with IMF.
• Deal aims to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
• Pakistan to raise tax revenue by 1.5% this year, 3% overall.

Pakistan has entered into a promising $7 billion agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), spanning 37 months. This preliminary staff-level accord paves the way for the IMF’s Executive Board to grant final approval.

This strategic partnership with the IMF is poised to bolster Pakistan’s economic fortitude. Over the past year, the nation has witnessed a commendable reduction in inflation, a reinforcement of foreign exchange reserves, and strides toward sustained economic stability.

To further solidify this stability, Pakistan is set to enhance its tax revenue, targeting an increase of 1.5% of its GDP this fiscal year, with an ambitious goal to boost the tax-to-GDP ratio by 3% during the loan program’s tenure.

The reform plan includes equitable hikes in both direct and indirect taxes, expanding the taxpayer base, and extending the tax network within the retail sector. These measures aim to optimize tax collection from pivotal sectors like exports and agriculture, ultimately channeling additional funds into vital social domains such as education and healthcare, thereby enriching public resources.

The IMF underscores the necessity for collaborative economic endeavors between the federal government and provincial authorities. A review of the equitable allocation of funds, as stipulated by the 18th Amendment, is recommended to ensure prudent economic management. This collaboration is expected to result in increased expenditures on education, public health, and infrastructure at the provincial level.

To augment revenue, the provinces are encouraged to raise sales and agricultural taxes. Moreover, the federation and provinces are urged to enact essential tax legislation concerning individual and corporate income by January 1, 2025, to facilitate this comprehensive economic support.

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