In a bid to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) structural benchmark by the end of February, the Pakistani government is taking crucial steps, including amending the Civil Servants Act. This amendment will require senior public office-holders (BS-17 to BS-22) to declare their assets, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

The IMF’s technical mission, which recently held virtual discussions with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on governance, integrity management, and recruitment issues, will visit Pakistan in April to finalize its report. The findings will be published by July 2025 as part of the IMF program’s Structural Benchmark.

One of the primary objectives is to ensure that asset declarations from high-level public officials are filed digitally and publicly accessible through the FBR, with a strong framework for risk-based verification. This move is part of Pakistan’s commitment to addressing corruption and improving governance, which the IMF identifies as significant barriers to the country’s socio-economic development.

The government’s proposed amendments align with the IMF’s recommendations, which highlight the role of vested interests in impeding reforms and exacerbating corruption. These amendments will also support Pakistan’s broader efforts to comply with the UN Convention against Corruption and enhance the independence and effectiveness of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the country’s main anti-corruption agency.

The government is also working on empowering provincial anti-corruption establishments to combat money laundering and strengthen financial investigations. By end-February 2025, asset declarations for senior officials will be publicly accessible through a digital portal, promoting greater transparency in the public sector.

Through these reforms, Pakistan aims to not only meet IMF requirements but also create a more transparent and accountable system that fosters inclusive growth, improves governance, and attracts investment.