TRADE & ECONOMY

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has assured that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are progressing smoothly, with no major obstacles hindering a successful agreement. He expressed optimism that Pakistan will soon receive positive news regarding the deal.
IMF Negotiations Nearing Completion
Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan is committed to achieving economic stability and is making steady progress toward its financial discipline goals under the IMF program. He reiterated that discussions with the global lender are in their final stages and expected to conclude soon.
"Pakistan is successfully meeting the IMF’s economic discipline targets, and there are no major hurdles in the negotiations. We anticipate good news shortly," he assured while addressing the media.
Climate Change & Economic Challenges
The finance minister also highlighted climate change as one of the most pressing threats to Pakistan's economy, citing rapid glacier melting, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and worsening air pollution in Lahore.
Key points from his address included:
- Climate financing discussions with the IMF have been held over the past two weeks.
- $10 billion in climate aid for flood damage restoration had been promised, but due to lack of viable projects, the funds were not fully utilized.
- A climate financing fund system will be introduced to counter the economic effects of climate change.
- World Bank partnership is progressing, with a focus on strengthening Pakistan’s capacity for climate projects.
“We must act swiftly to address pollution and climate change; otherwise, economic stability will remain a challenge,” he warned.
Call for Stronger Climate Action
Aurangzeb stressed the need for Pakistan to present well-structured, implementable projects to secure international climate funding. He assured that the Ministry of Finance will fully support efforts to mitigate climate impacts and improve environmental sustainability.
With ongoing IMF negotiations and a push for climate financing, Pakistan is at a crucial juncture in its economic and environmental policy framework. The success of these discussions could significantly impact the country's financial stability and climate resilience.