IMF Report Flags Deep Governance Flaws in Pakistan’s Tax System, Calls for Urgent Structural Reforms
An IMF Governance and Corruption Report reveals major structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s tax system, highlighting excessive complexity, persistent corruption risks, and the urgent need for an independent Tax Policy Office to drive long-term reform.
Pakistan Plans Tax Hikes on Mobile Calls, Solar Panels, and Cash Withdrawals to Meet IMF Targets
The Government of Pakistan is preparing contingency tax measures to generate Rs. 200 billion in case revenue targets are missed or expenditures exceed limits in the first half of the fiscal year. Proposed measures include higher taxes on mobile and landline calls, increased withholding tax on cash withdrawals, and elevated sales tax on solar panels, aimed at keeping the $7 billion IMF bailout on track.
World Bank Projects 3% GDP Growth for Pakistan, Flags Slow Reforms and Persistent Poverty
The World Bank warns that Pakistan’s slow structural reforms limit diversification, job creation, and income growth. GDP is projected at 3% in FY2025, with a modest poverty reduction, highlighting the need for accelerated economic reforms to improve living standards.
World Bank Launches Young Economists Immersion Program to Engage Emerging Policy Talent in Pakistan
World Bank Pakistan invites aspiring economists to compete for a paid two-month opportunity with its Economic Policy Team, offering hands-on experience in developing the Pakistan Development Update report.
Pakistan’s Policy Rate Remains Region’s Highest, Raising Concerns Among Business Community
Pakistan’s policy rate remains the highest in South Asia at 11 percent, triggering concern among exporters and industrialists who warn of lost competitiveness, while the SBP defends its stance as necessary for economic stability.
NIBAF Hosts Monetary Policy Management Training for SBOTS-27 Batch Led by SBP’s Fida Hussain
NIBAF held a two-day training on monetary policy management for SBOTS-27 officers, led by Fida Hussain, Director of Economic Policy Review Department, State Bank of Pakistan.
Dr. Aasim Husain Highlights Root Causes of Pakistan’s Economic Struggles at Pakistan Banking Summit 2025
At the Pakistan Banking Summit 2025, international economist Dr. Aasim Husain dissected the underlying causes of Pakistan’s persistent economic woes, pointing to population pressures, policy lapses, and debt obligations, while stressing that IMF-supported efforts still offer a viable path toward long-term resilience.