IMF mission on Pakistan visit to complete governance and corruption assessment today
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An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team currently in Pakistan for a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA) is set to conclude its mission today, Monday, according to an official familiar with the process.
Last month, IMF staff reached an agreement with Pakistan for a new $1.3 billion climate resilience loan program spanning 28 months, alongside the first review of the ongoing 37-month, $7 billion bailout package. Pending board approval, the new arrangement would unlock $1.3 billion, while an additional $1 billion would be disbursed under the existing bailout, bringing total IMF disbursements to $2 billion.
“Following a scoping mission in February, an IMF team is in Pakistan until April 14 [Monday] to conduct a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment,” a source said. “A press release will be issued at the conclusion of the mission.”
The GCDA is a comprehensive evaluation tool used by the IMF to identify weaknesses in governance, including fiscal management, financial oversight, and the rule of law. The goal is to support reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and institutional performance.
The preliminary phase of the assessment took place in February, following a request from the Pakistani government. The IMF commended Pakistan’s commitment to governance reform after that visit. A second review began on April 4.
Separately, a technical team from the IMF is expected to arrive in Pakistan this week to meet with senior officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to discuss taxation measures for the 2025–26 budget. The talks will focus on expanding the country's narrow tax base, particularly by including retailers and other untaxed sectors.
“One of the key issues will be the government’s proposal to lower tax rates for salaried individuals, which the IMF is expected to review as part of broader fiscal discussions,” says a report.
Meanwhile, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb will attend the IMF and World Bank’s annual spring meetings in Washington from April 21 to 26.