Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed Pakistan’s ambition to secure the largest and longest-running program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the nation’s history. Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Aurangzeb reiterated Pakistan’s intention to negotiate a substantial IMF loan program in line with its quota.

He emphasized that the government’s primary objective is the improvement of Pakistan’s economy, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif providing clear directives for economic upliftment. Aurangzeb also commended the caretaker government’s efforts in meeting IMF-set goals.

Addressing concerns about the disbursement of the last tranche of $1.1 billion under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) program, Pakistan’s finance minister assured that there would be no obstacles.

The IMF mission is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad today for an economic review of Pakistan’s $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). Talks are expected to take place from March 14 to March 18.

Newly appointed Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb has signaled readiness for discussions with the IMF for both the SBA and a new loan program, marking a significant step towards addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges.