Pakistan will struggle to focus on economic reforms

Significance During the IMF visit, the government’s plan to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) stalled: Islamabad rejected the sole bid, deeming it unsatisfactory. Islamabad’s pursuit of economic reforms aimed at satisfying IMF conditions is taking place against a backdrop of heightened social unrest and political polarisation. Impacts Privatising state-owned enterprises will remain unpopular with many voters. Islamabad will continue to rely heavily on financial support from development and bilateral partners. Further IMF bailout programmes are likely in the long term.