The IMF advises Pakistan to enhance regulation of precious metals traders and real estate brokers.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published its staff report on Pakistan, highlighting the necessity of enhancing Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) measures to protect the nation’s financial system.

The IMF indicated that Pakistani authorities are revising the national evaluation of money laundering and terrorism financing concerns, anticipated for publication by the conclusion of March 2026.

The report indicates that the government is emphasizing improved risk-based AML monitoring, with special emphasis on real estate agents and traders of precious stones and metals.

The central beneficial ownership registration managed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is anticipated to be digitally accessible by the conclusion of January 2026.

The IMF emphasized the necessity for enhanced efforts to assess the macroeconomic effects of trade-based money laundering and to execute essential mitigation strategies to counter these risks.

According to sources, the forthcoming review discussions between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund are anticipated in March 2026.

Sources indicated that the discussions will occur concurrently for the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

The performance of the initial six months of the current fiscal year will be evaluated during discussions, and the international lender will disburse installments of both programs contingent upon the outcome of these negotiations.

The discussion will include the third assessment of the extended fund facility and the second evaluation of the climate funding program, according to sources.

Pakistan will obtain the fourth tranche of the Extended Fund Facility and the second payment of the climate funding program following successful negotiations.