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Pakistan, IMF Reach Staff-Level Agreement for $1.2 Billion Disbursement – SUCH TV

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Pakistan, IMF Reach Staff-Level Agreement for .2 Billion Disbursement – SUCH TV



Under the agreement, Pakistan will receive $1 billion through the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $200 million via the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), bringing total disbursements under these two arrangements to approximately $3.3 billion.

IMF lending programmes require countries to pass regular reviews, and once these are approved by the Fund’s executive board, the corresponding loan tranches are released.

A statement from the IMF noted, “Supported by the EFF, Pakistan’s economic programme is strengthening macroeconomic stability and rebuilding market confidence.”

The Fund highlighted that Pakistan’s recovery is progressing, with inflation under control, external buffers strengthening, and financial conditions improving as sovereign spreads narrowed significantly.

Pakistan has also committed to maintaining a tight, data-driven monetary policy and enhancing climate resilience following recent devastating floods.

Earlier on Tuesday, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that Pakistan was set to sign the deal with the IMF, following the departure of a Fund team last week without finalizing agreements.

Aurangzeb added that the government now plans to return to international capital markets, beginning with its first green bond denominated in Chinese yuan before the end of the year, followed by at least a $1 billion international bond.

The IMF’s support in September 2024 had bolstered Pakistan’s $370 billion economy, which faced a severe crisis that led to a sharp depreciation of the national currency.

Following is the text of the IMF statement:

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Iva Petrova, held discussions during September 24-October 8, 2025, mission to Karachi and Islamabad, and in Washington DC, for the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). At the conclusion of the discussions, Ms Petrova issued the following statement:

“The IMF team has reached a staff-level agreement with the Pakistani authorities on the second review of the 37-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the first review of the 28-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. Upon approval, Pakistan will have access to about US$1.0 billion (SDR 760 million) under the EFF and about US$200 million (SDR 154 million) under the RSF, bringing total disbursements under the two arrangements to about US$3.3 billion.

“Supported by the EFF, Pakistan’s economic program is entrenching macroeconomic stability and rebuilding market confidence.

The recovery remains on track, with the FY25 current account recording a surplus the first in 14 years, the fiscal primary balance surpassing the program target, inflation remaining contained, external buffers strengthening, and financial conditions improving as sovereign spreads have narrowed significantly.

However, the recent floods- which have affected nearly 7 million people, caused over 1,000 deaths, and severely damaged housing, public infrastructure, and agricultural land- have weighed on the outlook, particularly of the agriculture sector, bringing down the projected FY26 GDP to about 3¼ -3½ percent. The floods underscore Pakistan’s high vulnerability to natural disasters and substantial climate-related risks, and the continuing need to build climate resilience.

“The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to the EFF- and RSF-supported programs, and to maintaining sound and prudent macroeconomic policies while advancing ongoing structural reforms. The authorities’ policy priorities include:

· Continuing the fiscal consolidation. The authorities remain committed to meeting the FY26 budget primary surplus of 1.6 percent of GDP, anchored in sustained efforts to mobilize revenue through tax policy and compliance measures, and stand ready to take necessary actions should revenue shortfalls risk program targets.

At the same time, the authorities are assessing the flood damage and are providing urgent flood relief support in the affected provinces via reallocations in the provincial and federal budgets.

· Strengthening poverty reduction and social protection. As social protection remains a key pillar of the EFF-supported program, the authorities are working to enhance the generosity, coverage, and administrative capacity of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).

They are also committed to scaling up non-BISP health and education spending at both the federal and provincial levels to support inclusive growth and safeguard vulnerable populations.

· Advancing fiscal structural reforms. Efforts are underway to enhance revenue mobilization, broaden burden-sharing between federal and provincial governments, and strengthen public financial management.

In particular, recognizing the provinces’ vital role in domestic revenue mobilization, the federal authorities will continue deepening collaboration with provincial counterparts. The authorities are also making important progress in strengthening tax policy design, with the newly established tax policy office, which will lead medium-term reforms to simplify the tax code and reduce reliance on ad hoc measures.

· Maintaining an appropriately tight and data-dependent monetary policy. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) remains committed to a prudent monetary policy stance, guided by incoming data, including the impact of recent floods and the evolving economic recovery, to ensure inflation remains durably within its target range of 5-7 percent.

While the floods are likely to have a temporary impact on prices, the SBP stands ready to adjust its policy stance should price pressures intensify or inflation expectations become unanchored.

While the sustained buildup of international reserves is welcome, further steps are needed to deepen the foreign exchange market to facilitate transactions, support price discovery, and cushion external shocks.

· Restoring the viability of the energy sector. The authorities remain committed to preventing the accumulation of circular debt through timely tariff adjustments that ensure cost recovery and maintaining a progressive tariff structure.

Structural reforms continue to focus on enhancing the performance, efficiency, and governance of distribution companies, including through privatization; upgrading the transmission system; privatizing inefficient generation companies; and completing the transition to a competitive electricity market.

· Advancing the pace of structural reform implementation. The authorities are making progress in delivering structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity, strengthening governance, and improving the business environment to support private sector development.

Further effort is needed to advance the state-owned enterprise reform agenda and scale back the state’s footprint in the economy.

The authorities are also planning reforms to reduce government intervention in commodity markets to foster a productive, diversified, and internationally competitive agricultural sector that meets food security needs.

Efforts to boost international trade continue, including with the implementation of the new national tariff policy.

· Building resilience to climate change. The recent floods and the 2022 catastrophic events underscore the priority of building Pakistan’s climate resilience.

Policies supported by the RSF and aligned with national commitments are helping to strengthen resilience, including recently implemented reforms to promote green mobility and transport decarbonization.

The authorities remain committed to advancing future reforms, including strengthening the climate information architecture and financial risk management, improving water system resilience, establishing a framework for coordinated disaster risk financing, and aligning energy sector reforms with national mitigation commitments.

“The IMF team wants to express its sympathy to those affected by the recent floods, and is grateful to the Pakistani authorities, private sector, and development partners for many fruitful discussions and their hospitality throughout this mission.”



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No fuel shortage: Govt assures 100% domestic LPG, PNG, CNG supply amid Hormuz energy crunch – The Times of India

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No fuel shortage: Govt assures 100% domestic LPG, PNG, CNG supply amid Hormuz energy crunch – The Times of India


Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions straining global oil supplies, the government has said that it is ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability across the country and is closely monitoring maritime safety in the Middle East.Reassuring citizens, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas said there has been no disruption in household LPG supply. “Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal against bookings with more than 53.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders delivered yesterday,” it said.The ministry further urged people not to rush to fuel stations or stock up on supplies. It said, “Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.”It further assured that essential services remain fully supported, stating, “100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport),” while supply management measures are being taken as needed.At the same time, the government pointed to changes in consumer behaviour in the energy sector. It said, “more than 39,000 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in,” suggesting a gradual shift towards piped natural gas. It also noted a rise in auto fuel demand, adding that “avg. Auto LPG sale by PSU OMCs in the month of April-26 (till 17.04.26) is around 305 MT/day against the avg. of 177 MT/day during Feb-26.On the maritime front, authorities confirmed that Indian shipping continues to move safely through the region despite risks. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said, “Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April 2026,” adding that the vessel, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, is “expected to arrive at Mumbai on 22 April 2026.”However, it also acknowledged recent security incidents, noting that “two Indian vessels… reported a firing incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” though “there has been no injury to any crew reported.”The shipping ministry said the situation is being closely tracked, adding, “All Indian seafarers are safe. The situation continues to be closely monitored.”On fuel availability, the petroleum ministry said refineries are running at strong capacity and “sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained,” with retail fuel stations operating normally across the country.To cushion consumers from global price shocks, the government highlighted recent fiscal steps, saying, “The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.”It also intensified action against malpractice in the supply chain, stating that “more than 2400 raids were conducted across the country” on April 18 to check hoarding and black marketing of LPG.Officials said that coordinated efforts with states, industry stakeholders and agencies are ongoing to ensure energy security and uninterrupted supplies despite global uncertainty.



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India-US trade deal: Three-day talks to begin from April 20; what to expect – The Times of India

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India-US trade deal: Three-day talks to begin from April 20; what to expect – The Times of India


India and the United States are set to resume trade negotiations this week, with a delegation of about a dozen officials travelling from New Delhi to Washington for discussions on the first phase of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). The talks, scheduled from April 20 to 22, will be led by India’s chief negotiator Darpan Jain, additional secretary in the department of commerce, and will include officials from the customs department and the ministry of external affairs.“The meeting will happen from April 20-22 in Washington DC. India’s chief negotiator Darpan Jain (additional secretary in the department of commerce) is leading the team. Officers from customs and external affairs ministry are also part of the Indian team,” an official told PTI. This round of talks comes after major changes in the US tariff system, which have led both sides to reconsider the structure of the trade agreement finalised earlier this year and released on February 7.A key shift came after the US Supreme Court struck down reciprocal tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, prompting the US administration to introduce a temporary flat 10% tariff on all countries for 150 days from February 24. These developments resulted in postponing of a planned February meeting between the chief negotiators, with the rescheduled talks in Washington now set to take place under this updated tariff framework.With Washington now applying a uniform 10% tariff on all trading partners, the relative advantage India had under the earlier arrangement has diminished, leading to calls for revisiting the agreement. “So the agreement will have to be recalibrated, redrafted,” a government source has said, adding, “that amount of change will take place from their side”.“In our case, since the agreement has not been signed, we have got the option where we can right now change whatever needs to be changed,” the source has said.In addition to tariff issues, the discussions are expected to address two investigations initiated by the US Trade Representative under Section 301 of its trade law. India has contested the allegations in these probes and has asked for them to be withdrawn, arguing that the initiation notices do not provide adequate justification. The talks are taking place at a time when countries are reassessing their positions under the revised tariff system amid changes in global trade with the US.At the same time, trade patterns for India have also seen changes. China has become India’s largest trading partner in 2025-26, replacing the US, which had held that position for four consecutive years until 2024-25.Latest figures show India’s exports to the US rose slightly by 0.92% to $87.3 billion in the last financial year, while imports grew by 15.95% to $52.9 billion. This resulted in a narrowing of the trade surplus to $34.4 billion in 2025-26, compared with $40.89 billion in the previous year.



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Newcastle teacher: ‘My school cannot afford free breakfast club’

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Newcastle teacher: ‘My school cannot afford free breakfast club’



Barbara Middleton says she cannot afford to staff the government’s free breakfast clubs.



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