Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has extended its meeting schedule until December 14, with notable absence in discussions regarding Pakistan’s first review under the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) program.

The current $3 billion IMF program is slated to conclude in the second week of April 2024, leaving approximately $1.8 billion undisbursed. In July, the Fund released the initial tranche of $1.2 billion.

A significant development occurred on November 15 when the IMF staff and Pakistani authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under Pakistan’s SBA. This agreement, subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, would grant Pakistan access to SDR 528 million (equivalent to around US $700 million).

As per the IMF Executive Board calendar available on its website, upcoming meetings are scheduled for December 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and December 14, 2023. However, Pakistan’s inclusion in the agenda is notably absent at this juncture.