Pakistan s political impasse may end with a coalition government, but economic worries persist over the finance minister appointment. The PML-N faces a choice between an experienced banker or a new face. The PPP opposes Dar s appointment. The IMF deal is crucial for Pakistan s credit profile.
Pakistan and the IMF have initiated discussions to secure the second tranche of a $3 billion bailout package, beginning on a positive note. IMF mission chief Nathan Porter praised Pakistan s commitment to meeting first-quarter targets, setting the stage for future reforms within the nine-month program.
Debt-trapped Pakistan will become the fourth largest IMF borrower in the world after receiving a fresh loan of USD 3 billion in the next nine months under the standby arrangement reached with the global lender.