ISLAMABAD – The IMF has urged Pakistan to take stronger steps against corruption and misuse of public office, warning that existing systems to detect politically influential figures remain inconsistent.
The call comes in the initial draft of the Corruption Diagnostic Assessment Mission report, recently shared with Pakistan. The IMF has asked the government to review and implement its recommendations before the final version is issued later this month.
Prepared under a $7 billion agreement, the report follows meetings between the IMF mission and representatives from 36 government and state institutions. The report’s release, originally planned for July 2025, was delayed to August at Pakistan’s request.
Key corruption gaps
The IMF identified several weaknesses, including limited access to comprehensive data on politically influential individuals, the absence of automated screening tools in smaller institutions, and no effective mechanism for identifying abuse of public office, especially in government contracts.
Praise for some progress
Despite these concerns, the lender acknowledged progress made by major regulators. The State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were commended for steps taken to curb corruption.
Recommendations for reform
The IMF has advised Pakistan to learn from successful anti-corruption frameworks in other countries and introduce updated guidelines for enforcement. It stressed that improved data access, better screening tools, and consistent application of laws could strengthen accountability and boost public trust.
Officials say the recommendations, if implemented, could help Pakistan address systemic weaknesses and meet its commitments under the IMF program.
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