IMF, Pakistan talks start with polls date in focus

On Thursday, During his maiden meeting with interim Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Nathan Porter, the mission chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, inquired about two significant matters that have a profound impact on Pakistan's political and economic landscapes: the next general elections and the operations of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Porter's inquiries established the framework for the 14-day review discussions, slated to conclude by November 15 if all proceeds as planned.

The IMF official commended the government's performance in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, particularly lauding the efforts of the finance ministry and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for surpassing expectations. These issues were brought up by the mission chief, as reported by two attendees of the meeting.