IMF scoping mission targets corruption vulnerabilities

ISLAMABAD: A three-member scoping mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently assessing Pakistan’s governance and corruption vulnerabilities through the Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA).

The IMF delegation is set to meet the authorities of the Judicial Commission and the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 11, reported the Business Recorder.  

Over the past few days, the scoping mission has reviewed several key departments, including the Federal Land Commission, Financial Monitoring Unit, National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Authority AML/CFT Authority, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). They were briefed on measures to combat corruption, prevent financial crimes, and prevent terrorist financing.

The mission has highlighted the importance of digitising land records and has engaged with FBR officials on their digitalisation efforts, measures to prevent smuggling, and tax evasion.

IMF mission arrives to assess governance and corruption

On Tuesday, the IMF delegation will meet with officials from various ministries, including the Ministry of Climate Change, Housing and Works, Judicial Commission, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Auditor General of Pakistan, and the FBR.

The scoping mission aims to examine the severity of corruption vulnerabilities across six core state functions, including fiscal governance, central bank governance and operations, market regulation, and rule of law. The report will suggest actions to address these vulnerabilities, strengthen governance and integrity, and promote economic growth.

The mission, which consists of three members, will remain in Pakistan until February 14. Once the GCDA report is completed, it will be used by the government to bring about reforms that promote transparency, strengthen institutional capacities, and achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth.