Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:53pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday International
The IMF has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the next tranche of its bailout, taking the total to 50, according to The Express Tribune. Key demands include parliamentary approval of a Rs 17.6 trillion budget, energy tariff hikes, new taxes on agriculture, and lifting car import restrictions. The IMF also warned that post-Operation Sindoor tensions with India pose risks to the programme's fiscal and reform goals. The IMF emphasized cost recovery in the energy sector and better governance. Pakistan’s defence budget is also set to increase significantly amid recent cross-border hostilities with India. (PC: India Today)
