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Pakistan is hopeful that the IMF assessment will result in a favorable outcome.

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Under the leadership of Nathan Porter, the International Monetary Fund’s assistant director of the Central Asia and Middle East department, the delegation landed in Islamabad and engaged in discussions with officials from the finance, energy, and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) departments.

Pakistani authorities, such as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Energy Minister Musadik Malik, informed the IMF group about the actions taken to implement the reforms proposed by the lender.

The ministry had stated that the final review, if it proves to be successful, will result in the release of approximately $1.1 billion. Islamabad successfully obtained a rescue package last summer in order to prevent a sovereign default.

According to sources, the Ministry of Finance expressed optimism for a favorable outcome of the final evaluation. According to sources from the finance ministry, the global lender has not yet imposed any further requirements within the current program.

The conversations pertaining to the ultimate evaluation will conclude tomorrow, in accordance with the previously scheduled timetable. Sources have stated that discussions with the IMF are now taking place in a manner that is both constructive and pleasant.

Sources suggest that Pakistan has met all the crucial requirements for the final evaluation, and the achievement is contingent upon the IMF’s approval.

Earlier today, it was announced that the government of Pakistan provided assurance to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the acceleration of the privatization initiative.

According to authorities from the finance ministry, the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is progressing according to the established plan, and efforts are being made to conclude the process promptly.

According to sources, the federal government has formulated a plan to privatize the power-sharing firms. Additionally, the list includes other state-owned firms that are experiencing financial losses, such as First Women Bank, state life insurance, and Pakistan Engineering Company.

According to sources, it was disclosed yesterday that Pakistan is expected to finalize the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the upcoming week.

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Pakistan’s gold prices are still declining; see the most recent

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The price of 10-gram gold reduced by Rs943 to settle at Rs207,733, while the price of gold dropped by Rs1200 to close at Rs242,300 a tola, according to the Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association.

In the global market, the price of the precious metal fell by $10 to $2,349 per ounce, resulting in losses.

At 04:48 GMT, the spot price of gold had dropped by 0.2% to $2,354.77 per ounce. In the previous session, prices reached a two-week high.

American gold futures dropped 0.6% to $2,361.

Spot silver decreased by 0.4% to $28.03 per ounce, while palladium remained steady at $978.03 and platinum decreased by 0.1% to $992.89.

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Pakistan and the IMF begin talks for a new loan.

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Pakistan is requesting a $6 to $8 billion bailout package from the international lender over the next three to four years to address its financial troubles.

A mission team led by Nathan Porter, the IMF’s Mission Chief in Pakistan, is meeting with a Pakistani delegation led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Islamabad may face more difficult options, such as raising power and gas bills.

Mr. Aurganzeb informed the IMF team that the country’s economy has improved as a result of the IMF loan package, and Islamabad is ready to sign a new loan programme to further develop.

The IMF mission expressed satisfaction with Islamabad’s efforts to revive the country’s struggling economy.

The IMF praised Pakistan’s economic growth in its staff report earlier this week, but warned that the outlook remains challenging, with very high downside risks.

The country nearly avoided collapse last summer, and its $350 billion economy has stabilized since the end of the last IMF program, with inflation falling to roughly 17% in April from a record high of 38% last May.

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Petrol prices are likely to drop significantly beginning May 16.

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According to sources, the government is set to decrease petrol prices by Rs 14 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 10 on May 16 for the next fortnight’s revision.

Last month, the government reduced the price of fuel and high-speed diesel by Rs5.45 and Rs8.42 per fortnight, respectively.

The current fuel price is Rs288.49 per litre, while the HSD price is Rs281.96.

Meanwhile, oil prices fell further on Monday, as signs of sluggish fuel consumption and comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials dimmed optimism for interest rate reduction, which may slow growth and reduce fuel demand in the world’s largest economy.

Brent crude prices down 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $82.54 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 19 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.07 per barrel.

Oil prices also declined on signals of poor demand, according to ANZ analysts, as gasoline and distillate inventories in the United States increased in the week before the start of the driving season.

Refiners throughout the world are dealing with falling diesel profitability as new refineries increase supply and warm weather in the northern hemisphere and weak economic activity reduce demand.

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