Pakistan faces challenges securing IMF loan program and avoiding default
Military operation in Mach, Bolan enters fourth day, disrupting local life
The Pakistani security forces have reportedly cordoned off multiple areas of Balochitan’s Mach, Bolan and their environs, as a large-scale military operation in the region enters its fourth day. The ground troops, assisted by gunship
Quetta: BLA claims responsibility for attack on police that killed 4, injured 18
In a deadly incident that occurred on Monday, at least four people, including two police officers, were killed and 18 others were left injured in an explosion in Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. The
Rampant street crimes leave residents of Khuzdar in fear and helplessness
The city of Khuzdar has become a hub of criminal activities, with reports indicating that street criminals, snatchers, and thieves are rampant in the area. The situation has left the residents of Khuzdar living in
Balochistan: two men killed in firing incidents
At least two persons were reportedly killed in two separate firing incidents in Balochistan on Friday. According to reports, unidentified armed men entered a house in the Dera Murad Jamali area of Balochistan and shot
Resident of Kech district disappears in Karachi raid
A man from Kech district, Balochistan, has reportedly disappeared in Karachi after Pakistani forces allegedly detained him and his two sons during a raid on their house in Goth Mallir. According to sources, the man’s
Balochistan’s captivating images; A lifeline for ailing photographer
For 14 years, Kamanchar Baloch has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of Balochistan’s culture, stunning landscapes, and the plight of its impoverished residents. Born in Tehsil Mand, Balochistan, on November 25, 1998, Kamanchar has
BSO-Azad concludes 23rd Council Session; Drapshan Baloch elected chairman
The Baloch Students Organization Azad (BSO-Azad) released the highlights of the 23rd Central Council Session. BSO-Azad announced in the media that it wrapped up its 23rd Central Council session, a three-day event held in memory
Quetta: Security forces bring 3 dead bodies to a hospital
Pakistani forces reportedly shifted three dead bodies to a hospital in Balochistan’s capital Quetta on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces shifted the dead bodies of three men to the civil hospital Quetta — where
Enforced disappearances continue; Another goes ‘missing’ in Panjgur
Another Baloch man went missing from the Panjgur district of Balochistan on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces have allegedly disappeared a man after his arrest from the Parom area of the district. The detainee
On Thursday, IMF officials stated at a press conference that Pakistan would need to secure additional external funds to complete the ninth review of its loan program. However, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar claims that the country has already fulfilled all the necessary conditions for the restoration of the IMF program and will not accept any further conditions from the organization.
Despite the minister’s assurances that there is no risk of default, economist Yusuf Nazr disagrees, saying that Pakistan is constantly moving towards default and that the six months after June are particularly dangerous. He suggests that the finance minister’s claim of saving Pakistan from bankruptcy is not based in reality.
Dr. Zubair Iqbal, an economist with extensive experience working with the IMF, identifies a lack of confidence in Pakistan’s economic team as the biggest problem in negotiations with the IMF. He notes that the IMF is unwilling to accept Pakistan’s claims regarding economic targets and external financing. The IMF and Pakistan’s economic authorities also disagree on how much external funding the country needs.
Uzair Younis of the Atlantic Council warns that regardless of whether or not Pakistan remains in the IMF program, there is very little room for improvement in the current economic conditions. He believes that the situation will worsen if the country tries to run the economy without the IMF program, and while the program may increase confidence in Pakistan, the country will still face extreme difficulties in the next year. He suggests that the Pakistani government needs to make a clear decision on whether or not to remain in the IMF program to provide clarity in the markets.
