Islamabad, May 8, 2025: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s economic stabilization efforts and confirmed that the scheduled Executive Board meeting for the country’s bailout review will proceed on May 9, despite heightened regional tensions.
“As has been announced, the Board meeting for the first EFF [Extended Fund Facility] review and RSF [Resilience and Sustainability Facility] is scheduled for May 9,” an IMF spokesperson told Pakistani media. The IMF expressed continued support for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, stating that the programme is designed to bolster foreign reserves, enhance policy credibility, and promote inclusive growth and resilience.
The statement comes as Pakistan faces one of its most serious security crises in decades. Tensions with India have sharply escalated following missile strikes by New Delhi on Pakistani territory, leading to at least 31 Pakistani casualties and dozens of injuries, according to the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In retaliation, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down five Indian Air Force jets—three Rafale, one MiG-21, and one SU-30—following what Islamabad has described as unprovoked Indian aggression.
Against this backdrop, the IMF expressed hope for diplomacy and peace. “We hope for a peaceful resolution and de-escalation between the two parties,” the statement read.
Last month, IMF staff reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on a new $1.3 billion arrangement under the RSF, in addition to the successful first review of the existing 37-month, $7 billion EFF programme. Pending Board approval, Islamabad stands to unlock a total of $2.3 billion—$1.3 billion under the RSF and another $1 billion from the EFF—providing critical support to the country’s $350 billion economy.
The financial assistance comes as Pakistan continues efforts to stabilize its economy, having narrowly avoided a default last year. Officials maintain that the IMF’s backing has been essential in restoring fiscal discipline and shoring up investor confidence.
