The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shared its position on Pakistan’s request for relief measures. The government has asked for support to ease electricity bills for flood victims and to provide an aid package for farmers.
According to Finance Ministry sources, the IMF mission will carefully review these proposals before approving the next tranche of funding. Pakistan has requested a three-month postponement of electricity bills in flood-affected areas. The government has also proposed financial support for farmers who lost crops and livestock due to devastating floods.
Officials said the IMF will examine how these measures align with Pakistan’s current budget and loan program commitments. The Fund has emphasized that any relief must remain within the financial framework agreed with Pakistan. IMF representatives also expressed regret over the tragic human losses caused by the floods.
The IMF mission is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on September 25. Negotiations will cover the release of the next $1 billion tranche under the $7 billion loan program. Finance Ministry officials noted that the Fund will also assess the wider scope of flood-related expenditures.
Separately, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack told an international news agency that Pakistan’s future budgets must be prepared to handle natural disasters. She clarified that a new loan program will only be possible after the successful completion of the current agreement.
On Saturday, Pakistan formally requested the IMF to defer electricity bills in flood-hit regions for three months. The Power Division has been instructed to share detailed flood damage data to support the request.
The government has also declared an agricultural emergency and plans to announce a farmers’ support package. Officials said relief options may include the Benazir Income Support Program and a special flood aid package.
The IMF review will decide whether these measures can be approved without affecting Pakistan’s economic commitments.
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