The International Monetary Fund has asked Pakistan to ensure a one-year rollover of a $2 billion deposit placed by the United Arab Emirates, making it a key requirement during ongoing economic review talks.
The issue has emerged as an important component of Pakistan’s external financing commitments under the IMF programme.
During discussions, IMF officials raised concerns after the deposit was not extended for another year as expected under the agreed financing framework.
The development has prompted urgent engagement by Pakistani authorities to secure the extension.
Officials from the State Bank of Pakistan briefed the visiting IMF delegation and indicated that progress is being made, with expectations of a resolution in the near term. The central bank maintained that the government remains actively engaged with the UAE authorities to finalize the rollover.
Finance Ministry sources said a meeting between the IMF mission and the UAE Ambassador is also likely, aimed at facilitating the process and ensuring alignment with programme requirements.
The IMF has emphasized that securing the deposit extension is critical for maintaining external account stability and meeting financing targets.
Meanwhile, discussions between the IMF and Pakistani authorities have focused on foreign exchange reserves, monetary policy, exchange rate stability and financial sector oversight.
Technical level sessions also covered anti-money laundering measures, counter terrorism financing and banking regulations, with participation from the State Bank governor and senior officials. The IMF delegation is expected to continue engagements with central bank officials in Karachi over the next two days as negotiations progress, with outcomes likely to influence the next tranche under the programme.
