FinMin Aurangzeb reaffirms commitment to IMF programme

• Strengthening economic stability remains a top priority.
• Housing, private sectors identified as a key economic driver.
• Govt committed to policy support for private enterprises.
  

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb has reiterated the government's dedication to fulfilling the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and implementing structural reforms to stabilise Pakistan's economy.

Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Aurangzeb highlighted progress in economic reforms, stating that the current account deficit has narrowed, inflation has dropped to a 70-month low, and the country’s economy is showing signs of recovery.

He noted that inflation has dropped to its lowest level in 70 months, emphasising the need to strengthen the basis of economic stability further.

The finance minister said that the government would provide policy support to enhance private enterprise, particularly in the housing sector, which he identified as a key economic driver.

The Ministry of Finance has reported that inflation in Pakistan had reached its lowest level in six-and-a-half years. The ministry also projected improved financial stability in the months ahead, citing the effects of ongoing reforms.

Despite these gains, challenges persist. Earlier this week, the finance ministry acknowledged its failure to meet three targets under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

These included the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) first-quarter revenue collection targets and allocations for health and education. Provincial governments also missed the October 2024 deadline to align their agriculture income tax legislation with federal requirements.

The federal finance secretary, during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, outlined these shortfalls.

He noted that while Punjab has enacted the necessary tax reforms, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s legislation is awaiting assembly approval. Taxation of agricultural income is expected to commence on January 1, 2025.

To address fiscal gaps, the government plans to introduce a 5% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on pesticides and fertilisers in the next fiscal budget.

Additionally, the federal and provincial governments have agreed to redistribute spending responsibilities as per the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

These include contributions to higher education, health, and social protection, alongside efforts to enhance tax collection on services, property, and agricultural income.

While progress on some IMF benchmarks has been slow, the government is optimistic about regaining momentum in reforming the economy and meeting long-term fiscal goals.