ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Formal negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are set to begin today.
According to the Finance Ministry, the IMF delegation has arrived in Islamabad, and the economic team will join the Finance Minister in the talks.
Reports state that the discussions between Pakistani officials and the IMF will be based on data up to June 30.
Pakistan will provide briefings on the Sovereign Wealth Fund and measures to reduce circular debt. The IMF will also be apprised of the reasons behind the decision not to deregulate the sugar sector.
Finance Ministry sources indicate that the IMF will be briefed on the current account deficit and the primary surplus situation, as well as the status of foreign exchange reserves and the exchange rate.
Discussions between the IMF and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will focus on expanding the tax net and implementing reforms.
The Ministry of Energy will provide a briefing on circular debt and reforms, while the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will outline measures taken to combat money laundering and curb terror financing.
Additionally, the IMF will hold talks with the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding measures to improve the collection of tax and non-tax revenues, as well as the collection of agricultural taxes.
