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IMF Projects 6.5% GDP Growth for Pakistan if Corruption Reforms Take Hold

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 8:09 GMT by reuters.com

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IMF Signals Up to 6.5 % GDP Upswing for Pakistan if Corruption and Governance Reforms Take Hold

Reuters, 20 November 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a cautiously optimistic outlook for Pakistan’s economy, estimating that the country could enjoy a 6.5 % growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026‑27 if it tackles corruption and improves governance. The new assessment—released on 20 November 2025—underscores how deeply entrenched malpractices and weak institutional oversight are constraining the country’s macroeconomic prospects.

A Broad‑Based Growth Upswing

Under the IMF’s current projections, Pakistan’s GDP is expected to grow at 4.7 % in 2026‑27 in the absence of significant reforms. The 6.5 % figure represents a “policy‑neutral upside” that hinges on a set of reforms outlined in the IMF’s 2025‑26 program. These reforms aim to strengthen rule‑of‑law, curb rent‑seeking behaviour and modernise public sector management, all of which the IMF argues would unlock private‑sector confidence and increase investment inflows.

The 6.5 % number is not arbitrary. It follows an in‑depth assessment of the “policy space” available to Pakistan. By tightening fiscal discipline, reforming tax administration and eradicating systemic corruption, the IMF estimates that the economy could run closer to the potential growth path that Pakistan has exhibited in the past—around 6–7 % annually. The upside is also reflected in a potential 1 percentage‑point reduction in the growth gap relative to the IMF’s forecast.

The Roots of the Problem

Pakistan’s economy has been besieged by high inflation, a widening fiscal deficit and a debt burden that now exceeds 80 % of GDP. The IMF’s review notes that low tax-to-GDP ratios, largely driven by evasive practices and bureaucratic inertia, leave the state with limited revenue‑raising capacity. The government has struggled to raise taxes without triggering political backlash—a challenge that is exacerbated by a culture of corruption that permeates public procurement, subsidies and public‑sector wages.

“Corruption is a drag on productivity and investment,” said Dr. Ahmed Rahman, an IMF economist who co‑authored the review. “By streamlining processes and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently, Pakistan can unleash a significant portion of its latent growth.”

The review also points to weak governance structures that impede policy implementation. The absence of robust accountability mechanisms means that many of the country’s anti‑corruption laws remain unenforced, thereby fostering a climate where illicit activities thrive. The IMF suggests that a comprehensive overhaul—encompassing judicial reform, stronger oversight bodies and digital governance—could bring Pakistan closer to its growth potential.

Implications for Inflation and Debt

A more efficient tax system and reduced corruption would also help bring inflation under control. The IMF estimates that the consumer‑price index (CPI) could decline from the current 10–12 % range to below 6 % by 2028, assuming the reforms are implemented in a timely manner. This would, in turn, lower the risk premium that foreign investors attach to Pakistani debt, making it cheaper for the government to refinance its borrowing.

The debt‑to‑GDP ratio, which stands at roughly 83 % after the IMF’s $5.4 billion program was approved in 2024, could begin to shrink. The review suggests that fiscal consolidation—driven by higher revenue and controlled spending—could reduce the deficit to 5–6 % of GDP by 2027, thereby easing the debt burden.

Political and Social Challenges

Despite the optimism, the review acknowledges that political hurdles could undermine reform implementation. Pakistan’s multiparty system has historically been prone to policy discontinuities, especially when coalition partners hold divergent priorities. The IMF also cautions that public resistance to reforms—particularly those that threaten entrenched interests—could slow progress.

Moreover, the country’s social safety nets are fragile. The review stresses that reforms should be coupled with protective measures for the most vulnerable, to avoid exacerbating inequality. “Economic liberalisation without social safeguards can backfire,” the IMF warned.

Related Coverage

The IMF’s latest forecast comes in the wake of a March 2024 report that highlighted Pakistan’s need for “quick, decisive economic reforms to avoid a downturn.” Reuters also covered the IMF’s 2023 assessment of Pakistan’s program, where it noted that the economy had been growing at 5.2 % in 2022 despite a fiscal deficit of 8 % of GDP. In addition, a Reuters piece from June 2025 outlined the new anti‑corruption legislation that Pakistan’s parliament is set to approve, a move that could serve as a cornerstone for the IMF’s recommended reforms.

Bottom Line

The IMF’s 2025‑26 review paints a picture of a country with high potential, but one that is currently being held back by corruption and weak governance. The key takeaway is clear: if Pakistan can overhaul its public‑sector institutions, enhance tax collection and enforce anti‑corruption laws, it could push its GDP growth to the upper‑mid‑6 % range. That would not only accelerate economic expansion but also bring inflation and fiscal deficits under control—setting the stage for a more resilient and inclusive growth trajectory.

For Pakistan’s policymakers, the message is unambiguous: reforms are not optional—they are essential. For investors and the international community, the upside signals a potential new chapter for a country that has long been a strategic partner in South Asia.