11 structural reform goals are agreed upon by Pakistan and the IMF for the upcoming fiscal year.

According to reliable sources, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed on a new set of structural benchmarks intended to improve economic stability and governance.

The agreement calls for the implementation of eleven major reforms in the areas of commerce, energy, social protection, administration, and fiscal management throughout the course of the upcoming fiscal year. In order to guarantee prompt execution, authorities have also imposed stringent deadlines on institutions.

According to the agreement, the federal budget for 2026–2027 would be created in accordance with the goals of the IMF program and then approved by Parliament. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will modernize its audit case selection process in tax administration to comply with worldwide norms.

The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority regulations will be amended to eliminate preferential treatment for state-owned businesses in order to increase competition and openness in public procurement. The National Accountability Bureau law will be modified as part of governance reforms to guarantee a more open, merit-based, and efficient accountability system. Additionally, provisions pertaining to counterterror financing and anti-money laundering will be reinforced.

In order to preserve the purchasing power of low-income households, payments made under the Benazir Income Support Programme Kafalat initiative would be modified on a quarterly and annual basis in accordance with inflation.

The State Bank of Pakistan will create a plan for the gradual liberalization of the exchange rate regime in monetary and exchange rate policy, a move that is anticipated to boost investment and economic activity.

A set timetable for tariff adjustments is part of the energy sector reforms. On July 1, 2026, and February 15, 2027, gas rates will be altered twice; starting on January 15, 2027, electricity tariffs will be changed every year.

The government intends to phase out financial incentives for Special Economic Zones and replace profit-based incentives with a cost-based system through new laws in order to increase trade and investment. In accordance with IMF guidelines, a more comprehensive legal framework is also being developed to completely remove such incentives by 2035. Additionally, a single regulatory register will be created to increase openness and lessen investment anxiety.

According to sources, these changes are essential for enhancing the business climate, reducing the budget deficit, and stabilizing the economy. Pakistan is anticipated to receive approximately $1.2 billion in early May following approval by the IMF Executive Board.

A legislative committee was recently notified by representatives of the Board of Investment that pilot projects under the updated SEZ framework will start in 2028. Pakistan may eventually try to extend incentives into 2035, depending on the results; if not, they will be phased off in compliance with IMF requirements.