IMF approves $1.4 billion loan for Pakistan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board approved a new $1.4 billion loan to Pakistan under its climate resilience fund, alongside the first review of its $7 billion program.

The IMF praised Pakistan's policy efforts, noting significant progress in stabilizing the economy and rebuilding confidence amidst a challenging global environment. However, India raised concerns at the IMF board meeting, urging a broader review of Pakistan’s loans due to tensions between the two countries, particularly following an April attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists and sparked intense clashes.

India voiced worries about the potential misuse of debt funds for cross-border terrorism. In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, dismissed these concerns, stating that India's efforts to undermine the IMF program had failed. The staff-level agreements for both programs were made before the escalation of hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

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