Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund marks a significant milestone in further stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.
According to Radio Pakistan, while chairing the Federal Cabinet meeting in Islamabad today, the Prime Minister highlighted that the IMF program includes the Resilience and Sustainability Facility worth $1.3 billion, alongside the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, bringing the total to $8.3 billion.
The Prime Minister praised the cabinet members and government officials for their commendable efforts in achieving a 26% increase in tax collection. He acknowledged that reaching an agreement with the IMF is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of the government’s team. However, he emphasized that it is a loan, and there remains a long journey ahead to eliminate debt and achieve self-reliance for Pakistan.
Prime Minister underscored that peace and the eradication of terrorism are essential prerequisites for the country’s development and progress. He stressed the importance of boosting the morale of the security forces.
Discussing the Ramazan Package, the Prime Minister mentioned that 60% of the allocated 20 billion rupees have been disbursed through a transparent digital wallet system. He also expressed appreciation for the posthumous conferment of the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, in recognition of his contributions and services to the nation.
Additionally, the Federal Cabinet offered fateha for the departed soul of the mother of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir. The Cabinet has approved a reduction in electricity prices, leveraging the available fiscal space, while maintaining the current prices of petroleum products.
The cabinet also approved the signing of contracts by the Central Power Purchasing Agency with bagasse-fired power plants as per revised terms. Approval was granted to the Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission Act, 2025, and amendments in Income Tax, Sales Tax on Services, and Federal Excise Duties in Islamabad Capital Territory.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved the Income Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, to restore the tax rebate on income of full-time teachers and researchers. The Federal Cabinet has decided to widen the scope of consultation on the approved Solar Net Metering Regulations by the Economic Coordination Committee and directed for re-submitting the recommendations after seeking further feedback from all stakeholders.