One of the primary criticisms of International Monetary Fund (IMF) stabilisation programmes is the imposition of stringent conditionality, often characterised by austerity measures. According to the IMF’s own research, such measures can lead to short-term economic contraction and social unrest. A 2015 paper titled “The Role of Fiscal Policy in the Post-Crisis Economic Recovery” suggests that auste
Speculations surrounding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation’s unscheduled three-day visit earlier this month, following the approval of a $7 billion bailout package in late September, were dismissed as baseless by the government and some experts. A corporate platform welcomed the visit, viewing it as a positive signal. The first formal review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is
Pakistan and Belarus are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on boosting trade and economic cooperation, as Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on Monday began a three-day official visit to the country. President Lukashenko was welcomed at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by key cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister an
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Monday approved 10 out of 11 proposed development projects costing R 172.7 billion. A project presented by the Ministry of Health was deferred, requiring further clarification before approval. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Six of the approved projects belonged to the province
Oil prices fell more $2 on Monday after multiple reports that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to the terms of a deal to end the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, citing unnamed senior US officials. Brent crude futures were down $2.02, or 2.69 per cent, at $73.15 a barrel by 9:57 a.m. CST (1557 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down $2.08, or 2.92pc, at $69.16 a barrel. Israel