IMF Engages Political Stakeholders in Rare Meeting to Secure $3 Billion Standby Agreement

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has held meetings with political leaders from the PTI and PPP parties in Pakistan to seek their support for the implementation of a $3 billion standby arrangement. The meetings come ahead of a review by the IMF executive board on July 12. The IMF is seeking assurances from political stakeholders for their support of the key objectives and policies under the new IMF-supported program. This move is seen as rare, as the IMF typically meets with stakeholders such as chambers, banks, and labor unions before any program. The meetings with political parties are seen as an indication that the IMF is counting on negotiating a fresh program with the incoming government after the national elections.