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Pakistan Steps Up Funding Drive at IMFWorld Bank Meetings With IMF Deal at Staff Level

The push signals a bid to lock in an IMF payout next month to widen Pakistan’s external funding.

Overview

  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb used the Washington Spring Meetings to court lenders and investors, saying the IMF staff‑level deal on Pakistan’s programme reviews now awaits board approval in early May.
  • Pakistan re‑entered global markets with a private Eurobond priced just under 7% after repaying $1.4 billion on a maturing bond this month, which officials framed as proof of improved discipline.
  • Islamabad is seeking early release of about $1.2 billion from the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility and the resilience window, with a mission due to visit next month for the upcoming review.
  • Saudi Arabia extended a $3 billion deposit at Pakistan’s central bank under an agreement signed in Washington, which the government says strengthens near‑term foreign‑exchange buffers.
  • Aurangzeb asked China to fast‑track approvals for Pakistan’s first Panda bond and expand renminbi settlement, and he outlined a medium‑term plan that adds Sukuk and rupee‑linked bonds to reduce currency risk.