Government Seeks Extension from IMF to Publish Corruption and Governance Report

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has requested the **International Monetary Fund (IMF)** to grant additional time for publishing the **Corruption and Governance Diagnostic Assessment Report**, sources from the Finance Ministry confirmed.

According to reports, **virtual negotiations** between Pakistan and the IMF are ongoing to finalize a **staff-level agreement**, focusing on four key issues. Among these are the **declaration of assets by government officials** and the **governance and anti-corruption measures** proposed by the IMF.

Finance Ministry sources revealed that the government sought **more time** to release the corruption report, while the IMF has called for a mechanism allowing the **private sector or open market** to participate in the **government’s wheat procurement process**.

Additionally, the **economic team** has requested **flexibility in structural benchmarks** to expedite the signing of the new loan agreement.

The sources further said that provincial governments, affected by recent **floods**, have also sought an **extension to impose agricultural income tax**, as the **agriculture sector** has suffered significant losses, making immediate implementation unfeasible.