Pakistan news 2026: IMF review focuses on power tariffs and tax reforms

Pakistani finance officials opened a scheduled IMF staff review presenting progress on power-sector arrears reduction and expanded tax registration among retailers in Punjab and Sindh. Independent economists said headline inflation's decline could ease political pressure, but social spending remains contentious ahead of provincial budgets.

Remittance channels from the Gulf and the United Kingdom reported steady volumes, supporting the State Bank of Pakistan's foreign-exchange buffers. Energy regulators published a draft timeline for targeted tariff adjustments meant to limit distribution-company losses without sharp household shocks.

Opposition parties in Islamabad demanded parliamentary hearings on privatisation plans for loss-making state enterprises in steel and aviation. Traders on Karachi's equity board said clarity on the review outcome could unlock portfolio inflows from regional funds.

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