ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan, including continued increases in energy prices and a sharp rise in tax targets, according to a media report.
A report aired by a private television channel said the IMF projected that Pakistan would collect Rs1.727 trillion from the petroleum levy during the next fiscal year.
The IMF has also set a tax collection target of Rs15.267 trillion for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). To meet the goal, the lender proposed additional tax measures worth Rs430 billion.
The report said the government plans to introduce Rs215 billion in new taxes, while authorities aim to recover another Rs115 billion through enforcement measures.
The IMF also asked Pakistan to ensure the independence and transparency of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). It further demanded regular notifications for increases in electricity and gas prices as part of energy sector reforms.
Other key conditions include parliamentary approval of the federal budget and stronger anti-corruption and public procurement frameworks.
The IMF also directed Pakistan to improve tax revenue administration, continue the Benazir Income Support Programme’s Kafaalat initiative, and prepare a roadmap to strengthen exchange rate autonomy and regulatory transparency.
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Under the new conditions, the government must amend public procurement rules, end all incentives for Special Economic Zones by 2035, and establish a Pakistan Regulatory Registry at the federal level for business regulation.
Economic experts said the IMF considers these measures necessary to restore macroeconomic stability and achieve targets under the ongoing bailout programme.
