Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 11:54am on 18 May 2025,Sunday India Global
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of the next tranche of its bailout programme. Key stipulations include parliamentary approval of a Rs 17.6 trillion budget, increased debt servicing surcharges on electricity bills, and lifting import restrictions on used cars. Additionally, provinces must implement new agriculture income tax laws by June. The IMF warned that escalating tensions with India could jeopardize the programme's fiscal, external, and reform objectives. The report noted a 12% increase in Pakistan's defence budget, exceeding IMF projections. Recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, including Operation Sindoor and subsequent retaliations, have raised concerns over regional stability and the success of the bailout plan. (PC: Bloomberg, Facebook & Shutterstock)
