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'IMF board nod awaited for next tranche'

Irshad Ansari April 19, 2026 Less than a minute read

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb speaks during an interview at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group’s annual spring meetings in Washington DC, US, April 13, 2026, PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with approval from the lender's executive board expected shortly.

The step would unlock the next tranche of funding as the country signals a return to global financial markets.

According to the finance ministry, the minister shared the development during a meeting with representatives of S&P Global Ratings, where discussions focused on Pakistan's improving economic outlook and re-engagement with international markets.

He said the staff-level agreement with the IMF had been finalised and was awaiting board approval, after which the next instalment would be released.

The minister also noted that Pakistan had successfully repaid a $1.4 billion Eurobond earlier this month, underscoring the country's external repayment capacity.

Aurangzeb further highlighted external support measures, including an additional $3 billion in financial assistance from Saudi Arabia and the extension of a $5 billion deposit until 2028.