Pakistan has recently secured a significant $1 billion loan from two Middle Eastern financial institutions. This deal comes as a part of the country’s effort to improve its economic situation and strengthen its financial reserves. According to Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, the loan includes two parts: a bilateral loan and another for trade financing. Both loans have an interest rate of around 6% to 7% and are short-term, set to be repaid within a year.
The loan is a key part of Pakistan’s larger strategy to raise up to $4 billion from Middle Eastern commercial banks by the end of the current fiscal year. The goal is to improve the country’s financial position and ensure long-term stability. Aurangzeb also expressed hope that the loans would play a role in boosting Pakistan’s credit ratings, which are currently considered “junk” but have seen some improvement recently. Pakistan is working closely with global rating agencies to achieve a better rating, aiming for a single B rating by the end of June.
Despite the challenges, Pakistan remains optimistic about improving its credit ratings. In 2023, Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s rating to ‘Caa2,’ citing improved economic conditions. Similarly, Fitch raised its rating to CCC+ after Pakistan reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With these efforts, Pakistan hopes to continue making progress on its economic recovery.
In addition to these loans, Pakistan is also preparing for the first review of its $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF). This fund, which was secured in September 2024, is meant to address medium-term economic challenges related to Pakistan’s balance of payments. The review, set for February 2025, will assess whether Pakistan has met the IMF’s requirements. The Finance Minister is confident that the country will meet these requirements, helping to secure more financial support.
Pakistan is also focusing on securing $1 billion in funding from the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). This trust is designed to support countries facing challenges related to climate change, such as transitioning to clean energy and adapting to climate risks. Aurangzeb has highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, noting the country’s exposure to risks such as flooding and droughts. Discussions for this funding are expected to progress during the IMF’s February review, with hopes to finalize the agreement in the coming months.
In addition to financial measures, Pakistan is also taking steps to improve its state-owned enterprises. One of the key areas of focus is the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which has long been a financial burden on the country. The government is hopeful that it can successfully sell a stake in PIA within the next five to six months. The recent lifting of a ban on PIA by the European Union’s aviation regulator has improved the airline’s business prospects. With European flights now resuming, there is optimism that the privatization effort will succeed this time.
Pakistan’s efforts to secure loans, improve its credit ratings, and address economic challenges reflect a larger plan to stabilize and strengthen its economy. With ongoing negotiations with the IMF, the hope is that these measures will lead to long-term economic growth and financial stability for the country. Through these steps, Pakistan is working towards securing a better future for its people while also addressing the pressing climate-related risks it faces.
