WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (INP): International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved to make available a $1.1 billion loan for Pakistan which will be released in two installments. This brings total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 2.2 billion (about US$3.2 billion).
The Executive Board approved on September 4, 2013 an amount of SDR 4.393 billion (about US$6.44 billion, or 425 percent of Pakistan’s quota at the IMF) .
According to the finance ministry the loan was approved in Excutive board meeting of IMF in Washington. The first installment is expected to be released in the next few days.
IMF has expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic performance.
The release of $1.1 billion to Pakistan would help the country cross the psychological barrier of having total foreign currency reserves of over $15 billion for the first time in two and half years.
A press release by the IMF Representative in Pakistan said in completing the fourth and fifth reviews, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for waivers of non-observance of performance criteria on the basis of the corrective measures taken, including prior actions on net domestic assets and on government borrowing from the State Bank of Pakistan.
Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Pakistan, Mr. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair in a statement said: “Macroeconomic
conditions are improving, but significant risks to the recovery remain. The measures taken by the authorities to address short-term macroeconomic vulnerabilities and implement structural reforms are bearing fruit, but continued efforts are needed to make the economic transformation more sustainable.
“Fiscal consolidation is broadly on track, but the authorities must be prepared to take further action to address possible revenue shortfalls. There is still ample scope for increasing tax revenues, especially through tax administration reforms. The government has reduced its reliance on central bank financing, but a robust organizational framework for public debt management needs to be implemented, he said.
The statement said efforts to boost international reserves should continue, including through spot purchases and allowing greater exchange rate flexibility. Monetary policy remains prudent, focused on meeting program monetary targets and achieving a sustained reduction in inflation. Legislation to enhance central bank independence is crucial and should conform to international best practices. It should be complemented by enhanced communication of the central bank price stability objective, improved functioning of the interest rate corridor, and effective open market operations.
The IMF statement said the financial sector remains stable and profitable. Ongoing financial sector reforms and remedial actions in the few banks that don’t reach minimum capital requirements will ensure the system’s continued health.
“Structural reforms are progressing. Addressing the administrative constraints on the power sector’s regulatory framework, improving the operations and collections of energy companies, and electricity tariff reform should continue. The implementation of gas price rationalization should move forward with the gas levy and more favorable producer prices to better allocate the current supply and encourage new production. Commitment to privatization of public sector enterprises is strong, but potential difficulties are related to market conditions. Trade policy and business climate reforms are progressing.
The Executive Board, management and staff of the Fund expressed their deepest condolences to the people of Pakistan for the loss of innocent life in the recent horrific attack on a school in Peshawar.
INP/AH
