The International Monetary Fund (IMF) review mission on Friday pressed Pakistan to take additional steps to raise revenues and reduce the fiscal deficit, as the second day of economic review talks focused on critical reforms.
The IMF delegation held detailed discussions with the Power Division and other departments. Talks are taking place at the technical level, which began a day earlier with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
A key meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the IMF team is scheduled for Monday.
According to sources, the IMF mission also discussed the phasing out of subsidies on petroleum, electricity, and gas, while recommending further policy measures to control the fiscal deficit.
Earlier on Thursday, the mission was briefed by the finance ministry and the FBR.
Officials presented a comprehensive plan to improve tax collection and overall economic performance.
The delegation was informed that 60 to 65 percent of agreed economic targets had already been achieved, with progress continuing on the remaining goals.
Authorities projected a significant increase in revenue collection in the next fiscal year.
The FBR stressed that broadening the tax base was essential to meet revenue targets and assured the IMF that measures worth Rs180 billion would be fully implemented.
The finance ministry emphasised that its policy was aimed at placing the least possible burden on the public, while highlighting that Pakistan recorded its highest revenue collection since 2020.
Officials further shared with the IMF a wide-ranging reform plan aimed at stabilising the economy and achieving sustainable growth.