IMF mission completes Sindh visit, heads to Islamabad for policy talks

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has completed its technical discussions in Karachi and is traveling to Islamabad to begin formal policy-level negotiations on September 28. During its visit to Sindh, the mission received briefings on the provincial government's economic performance and budget targets. The Sindh government reported a surplus budget in accordance with federal agreements, with tax revenues reaching 593 billion rupees and non-tax revenues doubling to over 80 billion rupees by June 30.

The IMF mission also expressed satisfaction following briefings from State Bank of Pakistan officials regarding economic indicators. Discussions included foreign exchange reserves, monetary policy, imports, and the current account deficit. State Bank officials noted that the target of maintaining foreign exchange reserves above $17 billion has been achieved. The mission will also meet with finance ministry representatives from all four provinces to discuss future fiscal targets.