IMF expresses satisfaction with BISP’s performance
The International Monetary Fund is considering reverting back to a three-month review schedule of the $7 billion bailout package after seeing early slippages, but the Pakistani authorities insist that no final decision has so far been taken.
The issue of returning to the quarterly reviews surfaced during an unscheduled visit of the IMF mission that had to rush to Islamabad to keep the programme on track. The finance ministry is also struggling to keep the provinces on the right track, sources said.
According to the sources, a quarterly review would help in constant monitoring of about 40 conditions agreed under the $7 billion deal. However, Pakistani negotiators told media that there was no final decision on the issue of the biannual and the quarterly reviews.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Program. On the third day of ongoing discussions and meetings between the IMF review mission and Pakistani officials, the IMF delegation received a detailed briefing on BISP’s operations.
The briefing highlighted the progress made during the first four months of the current fiscal year, including the distribution of aid to eligible beneficiaries and the financial challenges faced by the program.
According to sources, the IMF team was informed about the timely delivery of assistance to those in need, and the briefing covered the steps taken to address any ongoing financial difficulties related to the program.
IMF officials conveyed their satisfaction with the successful implementation of BISP and its contribution to providing crucial financial support to Pakistan’s low-income population.
