IMF agreed with Pakistan’s economic measures and budget targets of the country.

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is getting closer to receiving IMF loan tranche as the major development surfaced wherein Pakistan side and IMF reached an understanding.

According to sources familiar with the development, the IMF agreed with Pakistan’s economic measures and budget targets.

Sources said that the agreement was reached after the government took measures to satisfy the terms and conditions laid forth by the IMF for the resumption of the $6-billion loan program.

Accordingly, the Pakistan side agreed to increase the tax target from Rs7,005 billion to Rs7,450 billion and custom duty from Rs950 billion to Rs1005 billion for the next fiscal.

The sources said the petroleum levy has also been readjusted as the levy of Rs5 per liter will be imposed and 11 percent sales tax will also be collected on the petroleum products.

Meanwhile, reports suggested that the Pakistan is also likely to increase tax rates in higher income slabs.

IMF Resident Representative in Pakistan, Esther Perez Ruiz also said, “Discussions between the IMF staff and the authorities on policies to strengthen macroeconomic stability in the coming year continue, and important progress has been made over the FY23 budget.”