IMF board to review loan deal on Jan 11 Pakistan

 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to consider Pakistan's first review on January 11, paving the way for the approval of a $700 million tranche. This follows the Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) reached last month between Pakistan and the IMF under the nine-month $3bn Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The awaited board approval is a prerequisite for receiving the second tranche, as part of the ongoing financial support. The delay has led to speculation that discussions on the second review might commence after the general elections and the establishment of the elected government. The IMF programme's original timeline envisaged talks for the second review starting on February 3, 2024.