Summary The State Bank of Pakistan will announce its monetary policy as IMF considers $1.2B disbursement, highlighting fiscal reforms, fuel pricing, and economic recovery progress.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – The State Bank of Pakistan is set to announce its monetary policy today, with a decision expected on the benchmark interest rate, currently at 10.5%.
The meeting will review inflation, oil prices, import and export trends, and the cost of essential food items.
Officials will also consider the policy in light of recent demands from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Meanwhile, IMF executive board is scheduled to meet on May 8 to consider approving more than $1.2 billion for Pakistan under two ongoing financial programmes.
The expected disbursement includes around $1 billion under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and approximately $210 million through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, following successful programme reviews.
The development follows a staff-level agreement reached in March, under which Pakistan and the IMF agreed on measures aimed at strengthening public finances, maintaining macroeconomic stability and advancing structural reforms.
Officials said discussions between Islamabad and the Fund have also focused on fuel pricing adjustments, subsidy rationalisation and meeting petroleum levy targets outlined in the current fiscal framework.
The IMF has acknowledged progress in Pakistan’s economic recovery, citing contained inflation, improved external buffers and growing market confidence, while also warning that regional tensions and volatile energy prices could pose risks to the outlook.
According to IMF officials, approval by the executive board would raise Pakistan’s total disbursements under the two arrangements to about $4.5 billion.
