Pakistan Cuts 150,000 Jobs, Dissolves 6 Ministries in IMF-Backed Reform

Pakistan has announced plans to abolish 150,000 government posts, close six ministries, and merge two others as part of reforms agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a $7 billion loan deal.

PakistanImfLoan DealEconomic ReformsJob CutsReal EstateSep 29, 2024

Pakistan Cuts 150,000 Jobs, Dissolves 6 Ministries in IMF-Backed Reform
Real Estate:Pakistan has been struggling to fix its economy for years, narrowly avoiding default in 2023 thanks to a timely $3 billion loan from the IMF. As part of its efforts to minimize administrative expenditures, the cash-strapped country has announced plans to abolish 150,000 government posts, close six ministries, and merge two others. The IMF has released over $1 billion as the first tranche of a $7 billion loan deal, after Pakistan committed to cut expenditures, increase tax-to-GDP ratio, tax non-traditional sectors like agriculture and real estate, limit subsidies, and transfer some fiscal responsibilities to provinces. Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb said that a program had been finalized with the IMF, which would be the last program for Pakistan. He emphasized that in order to join the G20, the economy must be formalized.

The minister said that right-sizing within ministries was ongoing, and the decision to close six ministries would be implemented, while two ministries would be merged. Additionally, 150,000 posts across various ministries would be eliminated. Aurangzeb also said that the non-filers category would be abolished, and those not paying taxes would no longer be able to purchase property or vehicles. He claimed that the economy was moving in the right direction, with significant growth in national exports and IT exports, and stated that investor confidence regarding the strength of the economy was a major success.

The policy rate has been reduced by 4.5 percent by the government after coming to power, and Aurangzeb expressed optimism that the exchange rate and policy rate would remain as expected. Pakistan has negotiated a long-term loan with the IMF with the hope and commitment that it would be the last loan. However, many doubt this claim, as the country has already secured about two dozen loans from the Fund but failed to address the economy on a permanent basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Pakistan cutting 150,000 jobs?

Pakistan is cutting 150,000 jobs as part of its efforts to minimize administrative expenditures and implement reforms agreed upon with the IMF.

What is the IMF loan deal worth?

The IMF loan deal is worth $7 billion.

What are the conditions of the IMF loan deal?

The conditions of the IMF loan deal include cutting expenditures, increasing tax-to-GDP ratio, taxing non-traditional sectors like agriculture and real estate, limiting subsidies, and transferring some fiscal responsibilities to provinces.

Will this be the last IMF loan for Pakistan?

Pakistan has committed to making this the last IMF loan, but many doubt this claim given the country's history of securing multiple loans from the Fund.

What is the current state of Pakistan's economy?

Pakistan's economy has been struggling for years, but the government claims it is moving in the right direction, with significant growth in national exports and IT exports, and improved investor confidence.

Related News Articles

Mahindra Lifespaces Boosts Presence in Mumbai and Bengaluru with Two Major Deals
Real Estate Pune

Mahindra Lifespaces Boosts Presence in Mumbai and Bengaluru with Two Major Deals

Mahindra Lifespaces strengthens its presence in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru real estate market with two new deals worth ₹2,050 crore

July 4, 2024
Read Article
Market Insights: Get Live Answers to Your Stock Market Queries
real estate news

Market Insights: Get Live Answers to Your Stock Market Queries

Get expert advice on your stock market investments through our live sessions, featuring expert analysts. Learn how to invest, structure your portfolio, and more.

July 12, 2024
Read Article
Rise of Upper Kharghar and Panvel as Prime Real Estate Destinations
Real Estate Maharashtra

Rise of Upper Kharghar and Panvel as Prime Real Estate Destinations

Discover the growth potential of Upper Kharghar and Panvel, two areas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region that offer a range of housing options, robust infrastructure, and promising returns on investment.

July 25, 2024
Read Article
Over 50,000 Housing Cases Still Pending in Consumer Courts
real estate news

Over 50,000 Housing Cases Still Pending in Consumer Courts

Government data reveals that more than 50,000 real estate-related cases are currently pending in consumer courts. Here's what you need to know.

August 12, 2024
Read Article
MNCs Leasing Over 51 Lakh Sq Ft for GCCs in Delhi-NCR: A Real Estate Boom
Real Estate Pune

MNCs Leasing Over 51 Lakh Sq Ft for GCCs in Delhi-NCR: A Real Estate Boom

Multinational corporations (MNCs) have leased nearly 51 lakh square feet of office space in the last two years to set up Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in the Delhi-NCR region. This surge in demand for office space underscores the region's growing impor

February 25, 2025
Read Article
NCR Locality Sees 128% Surge in Property Prices Over 3 Years
Real Estate

NCR Locality Sees 128% Surge in Property Prices Over 3 Years

Real estate prices in specific regions of India, particularly Noida Sector 150, have witnessed a dramatic surge of 128% between 2021 and 2024, making it a hot spot for investors and homebuyers.

March 18, 2025
Read Article