The International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is set to initiate discussions with Pakistani officials today, May 14, focusing on the upcoming budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb disclosed in an interview with Reuters that the federal budget is expected to be finalized within the next three to four weeks, with negotiations scheduled to run from May 14 to 23.

Business Recorder confirms no response from IMF resident representative Mahir Binici regarding the talks.

The discussions will center on the budgetary framework, including proposed revenue targets and expenditure estimates.

The Pakistani government is also likely to provide updates on its initiatives related to tax broadening, energy sector reforms, and the restructuring of state-owned enterprises.

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Tax burden on salaried class to be eased: Aurangzeb

Reports indicate that special sessions will be held to advocate for a reduction in the tax burden on the already struggling salaried class.

Previously , a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrived in Islamabad in April to hold consultations regarding the preparation of the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26.

Also on April 23, the IMF revised its GDP growth rate projection for Pakistan downward by 0.4%, now setting it at 2.6% for the fiscal year 2025, compared to the previous estimate of 3% made in January 2025.

Additionally, on March 28, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack announced that Pakistan is set to receive a total of $2.3 billion from the IMF following staff-level agreements under two financial arrangements. Kozack serves as the Fund’s director of communications.