Pakistan has decided to introduce significant reforms to its budgetary system in line with conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
An IMF delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon to review budget preparations and the proposed reforms.
The government has assured the IMF that it will set clear targets to improve fiscal discipline and take steps to reduce delays in budgetary decisions. According to officials from the Ministry of Finance, work is already underway on budget proposals for the fiscal year 2026–27.
Finance Ministry officials stated that the process of restricting the release of supplementary grants without parliamentary approval is being enforced. A Tax Policy Office has also been activated within the ministry, and measures will be taken to prevent frequent changes to the budget.
The government has further assured the IMF that better alignment between public expenditures and the budget will be ensured, along with increased transparency in the budget-making process. An emergency fund will also be included in the upcoming budget; Rs300 billion had been allocated for this purpose in the current fiscal year.
Relevant departments within the Ministry of Finance have been assigned responsibility for implementing these budget reforms, and new rules will be introduced to maintain stricter control over fiscal management. The new strategy also emphasizes boosting investor confidence and strengthening trust with international institutions.
Officials noted that development spending had to be reduced during the current fiscal year due to tensions in the Middle East. However, efforts will be made in the next fiscal year to protect development projects from mid-year budget cuts.
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