Despite India’s strong objections, the IMF financial aid to Pakistan is moving ahead without delay. The International Monetary Fund has confirmed that its Executive Board will meet on May 9 as originally planned. At this meeting, Pakistan’s requests for critical financial support will be formally reviewed.
Mahir Benisi, a spokesperson for the IMF, made it clear that the board meeting schedule will not be changed. “The meeting will be held as planned, and we are not in a position to comment on the concerns of other countries,” he told reporters. This response came after India called for the IMF to stop financial support to Pakistan.
The financial package under review includes a $2.3 billion aid request from Pakistan. This includes $1.3 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to combat climate change, and another $1 billion as part of the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). These funds are expected to be released in phases over 28 months.
Officials at Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance are hopeful. They believe the IMF financial aid to Pakistan will be approved and released soon. They highlighted that the RSF program, once approved, will help strengthen the country’s ability to face climate-related threats. The IMF had already signed a staff-level agreement for the RSF on March 25, 2025, marking a big step towards support.
India’s request to the IMF, asking it to reconsider its assistance to Pakistan, has stirred diplomatic debate. A senior Indian official told Reuters that New Delhi had submitted a formal request, although no detailed reasoning was disclosed. This move came just days after the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the incident—an allegation that Islamabad has firmly rejected.
Pakistan’s officials, however, remain steady in their position. Khurram Shahzad, advisor to Pakistan’s Finance Minister, assured the nation that everything is on track. “The latest review was successful. We are proceeding as planned,” he stated. He added that during the spring meetings in Washington, Pakistani delegates held more than 70 discussions with global financial institutions and investors.
This upcoming support under the IMF financial aid to Pakistan could bring more economic stability. Despite current tensions between India and Pakistan, the IMF appears determined to move forward with its financial engagement.
Recently, India suspended an important water-sharing treaty and closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines. Pakistan responded with similar measures. Tensions remain high, but the IMF’s firm stance on continuing its aid could help reduce economic pressure on Islamabad.
Last year, Pakistan secured a $7 billion bailout package from the IMF. That support has helped stabilize its economy and avoid a default. Now, with hopes high for the new disbursement, officials believe IMF financial aid to Pakistan will continue to play a vital role in its recovery path.
