An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is arriving in Pakistan on Wednesday for a second and last review of a $3 billion standby arrangement, two sources said.
The four-day review begins on Thursday, said the two finance ministry officials, who were speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to disclose the information.
Islamabad secured the last-gasped rescue package last summer to avert a sovereign default.
The last review, if successful, will release a tranche of around $1.1 billion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already directed his finance team, headed by newly installed Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to initiate work on seeking an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) after the standby arrangement expires on April 11.
Aurangzeb told reporters that the team was arriving this week, without mentioning a date, according to the Dawn daily.
The lender has said it will formulate a medium-term programme if Islamabad applies for one.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, held talks on energy strategy and infrastructure development with Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during a meeting in Sharjah on Tuesday.
Dubai-born specialty coffee brand Saddle Café has opened its first-ever outlet in Courchevel, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion and introducing an Emirati-founded café concept to one of Europe’s most exclusive winter destinations.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, has led a high-level government delegation to Egypt as negotiations continue to secure a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the emirate’s general budget for 2026, with total spending set at around AED 44.5 billion.