Pakistan discussed its $7 billion bailout reform agenda with the International Monetary Fund during an unscheduled staff visit last week, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Sunday, suggesting no new taxes are to be imposed.

The talks in Islamabad came within six weeks of the IMF approving the bailout, an unusual move as it is rare for the fund to discuss reforms ahead of a review of the reform plan under the loan programme.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has taken an unusual step by holding unscheduled talks with Pakistani authorities from November 12 to 15. This move comes just weeks after the IMF board approved a $7 billion bailout package for Pakistan.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday it held constructive talks with authorities in Pakistan on economic policy and reform efforts to reduce vulnerabilities during an unscheduled staff visit.

The unusual visit from Nov 12 to Nov 15 discussed a $7-billion bailout within six weeks of its approval by the IMF board, but came too early for the first review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), due in the first quarter of 2025.

The IMF has raised concerns over Pakistan's ability to meet the conditions of a USD 7 billion loan package, citing tax collection shortfalls and delays in securing foreign loans. Discrepancies in Punjab's new agriculture income tax legislation and violations of the National Fiscal Pact by Punjab and Sindh have also been flagged as major concerns.

The IMF has raised concerns over Pakistan's struggle to meet the terms of its USD 7 billion loan package. Key issues include a tax revenue shortfall, delays in securing foreign loans, and discrepancies between provincial and federal tax laws,