{
  "id": 12284764,
  "title": "IMF talks likely to clear way for $1.2bn disbursement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/imf-talks-likely-to-clear-way-for-1-2bn-disbursement-12284764",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-06T02:22:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2035070/imf-talks-likely-to-clear-way-for-12bn-disbursement"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan's ongoing discussions with a staff mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) appear to be heading towards a positive conclusion, according to recent reports. The negotiations are anticipated to finalize soon, enabling the release of approximately $1.2 billion under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The two parties are currently refining the Memorandum of Economic and Fiscal Policies (MEFP) after discussing the substantive aspects of the biannual review. The IMF team, headed by Ms. Iva Petrova, is expected to wrap up its visit within the coming days. No new demands have been made by the IMF, except for rectifying past lapses. The revenue target remains intact, with a renewed emphasis on achieving the half-yearly target following strong collections in Q1, surpassing expectations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is grappling with a complex liquefied natural gas (LNG) import plan for December to February, amid an uncertain supply scenario due to the US-Iran conflict. The task force for energy, led by Lt Gen Zafar Iqbal, has committed to importing no more than 10-12 cargoes, each around 100 million cubic feet, using diplomatic and logistical channels. This plan will be submitted to the prime minister for approval, given the significant financial implications and the need for approval from the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan. The authorities are also contemplating measures to address gas-sector circular debt and streamline subsidies, which will be implemented from January, following the introduction of revised base tariffs. The government has pledged to decrease cross-subsidies from the industrial sector and contain gas-sector debt, currently at Rs3.6 trillion. Despite the challenges, the IMF has urged for enhanced transparency in the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) to ensure uniform petroleum pricing nationwide.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ongoing talks with a visiting staff mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are set to conclude on a positive note later this week, paving the way for the disbursement of about $1.2 billion under two concurrent programmes — the $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the $1.4bn Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Informed sources said the two sides were now…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "IMF talks likely to clear way for $1.2bn disbursement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/imf-talks-likely-to-clear-way-for-1-2bn-disbursement",
        "published": "2026-10-06T02:22:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}