The IMF pressed Pakistan to expand its poverty alleviation efforts during ongoing negotiations for a new loan program.
The demand came as negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF review mission for a new loan programme continued for the fourth day.
The IMF delegation called for further expansion of poverty alleviation and social protection programmes.
Specifically, the IMF delegation urged the government to enhance the coverage and transparency of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) while improving its administrative efficiency.
They also called for increased funding for cash transfer programs targeting the poor.
PAKISTAN COMMITS TO EXPANDING POVERTY ALLEVIATION EFFORTS AMID IMF LOAN TALKS
During ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan program, Pakistani officials detailed extensive plans to bolster poverty alleviation efforts. They reported that Rs472 billion would be allocated to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) this year.
Officials assured the IMF delegation that BISP beneficiaries would be protected from future electricity tariff hikes through the cash transfer scheme. They also outlined a target to include 20 million households in a fully functional registry by September this year.
Currently, the number of BISP beneficiaries has reached 9.3 million. Additionally, 300,000 more families have been incorporated into the Kafalat Programme this year. The health cash transfer programme now includes 900,000 families, and the education cash transfer programme has expanded to support 1.9 million children.
Pakistani officials emphasized that more funds would be allocated for social security programs in the next financial year, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing social protection measures and addressing poverty.
