The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sought a progress report on the National Finance Commission (NFC) as part of the ongoing economic review talks with Pakistan under the loan programme, according to sources.
Sources divulged on Tuesday that an assurance has been given that an NFC meeting will be convened soon in consultation with the provinces. The distribution of resources between the centre and provinces has been described as a key point in the talks.
The IMF has emphasised the need to prevent cuts to the health and education budgets.
It has also called for the completion of labour force, household and Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) surveys.
The IMF has been briefed on development expenditure for the fiscal year 2025 and the framework for 2026.
The impact of recent floods on the economy has been given detailed consideration during the discussions.
Questions have been raised regarding trade-based money laundering and risk-based monitoring.
A briefing has also been given on the e-PADS procurement system and external audit reports.
The issue of the beneficial ownership registry and the supervision of non-financial professions has been discussed.
Pakistan is likely to receive an instalment of approximately $1.2 billion if the review is successful.
