Pakistan’s Chief Justice holds unprecedented meeting with visiting IMF delegation

In a rare and significant development, Pakistan’s Chief Justice Yahya Afridi met with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation on Tuesday to discuss judicial reforms, accountability, and the recent restructuring of the commission responsible for appointing judges to the superior courts.

The meeting, held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, was part of a broader IMF initiative to conduct a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment under Pakistan’s 2024 Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, a $7 billion loan agreement aimed at economic stabilization. The finance ministry had earlier announced the arrival of the IMF’s three-member mission, led by Joel Turkewitz, to assess corruption vulnerabilities and propose governance reforms.

Key Discussion Points

During the meeting, Chief Justice Afridi acknowledged the judiciary’s traditionally limited engagement with international financial institutions but noted that the discussion was held at the request of the finance division. He outlined recent constitutional developments, particularly those concerning the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), and emphasized the need for transparency in judicial appointments.

Judicial accountability was another focal point, with the Chief Justice underscoring the importance of robust mechanisms to address complaints against judges. He stressed that an independent and fair accountability process is vital for maintaining the judiciary’s integrity.

IMF’s Broader Governance Review

The IMF’s assessment aims to evaluate corruption risks across six key areas of state governance, including:

Fiscal governance

Central bank operations

Financial sector oversight

Market regulation

Rule of law

Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)

The finance ministry highlighted the IMF’s longstanding role in promoting public sector transparency and accountability as part of broader economic reforms. Traditionally focused on macroeconomic stability, the IMF has increasingly recognized that institutional integrity is crucial for fostering private sector confidence and ensuring sustained economic growth.

Economic Outlook and IMF Support

Pakistan is currently navigating an economic recovery with the support of the $7 billion IMF facility, granted in September 2024. The IMF is set to review Pakistan’s progress by March, with both the government and the central bank expressing confidence in meeting the program’s targets.

The finance ministry welcomed the IMF’s technical support, stating that the assessment would strengthen efforts to enhance transparency, institutional capacity, and economic governance. The findings are expected to shape future structural reforms, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to good governance and financial stability.