Pakistan needs more structural reforms: IMF

The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that case studies highlight the need for more cautious assumptions on feasibility and growth payouts of structural reforms in Pakistan.

The IEO has released its report "Growth and adjustment in IMF-supported programmes", which assesses how well IMF-supported programmes have helped to sustain economic growth, while delivering adjustment needed for external viability.

It focuses on the IMF financing arrangements over the period 2008-19, under both the General Resources Account (GRA) and the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT).

While the evaluation does not assess the experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, its lessons have become even more relevant as many countries now face strong headwinds to growth as they seek IMF support for achieving durable recoveries.