As the IMF review mission is set to arrive later this month, officials said the delegation will spend a few days in Karachi before moving to Islamabad around March 2, 2026, for key discussions under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility.
The talks are expected to focus on fiscal reforms, external financing, and progress on structural benchmarks agreed under the programme.
Officials said the Ministry of Finance plans to launch Panda bonds shortly after the end of holidays in China, aiming to raise an initial tranche of $250 million. Sources indicated strong investor interest, with expectations that the issuance could be oversubscribed.
To demonstrate repayment capacity, the government has already repaid a $700 million Chinese commercial loan ahead of schedule, while Chinese banks have reportedly assured refinancing within the current fiscal year.
In addition, Pakistan is negotiating with international commercial banks to secure a further $500 million in fresh financing during the ongoing fiscal cycle.
