The government has formed a ministerial committee to select Pakistan’s next Senior Adviser to the IMF Executive Director in Washington, choosing from three shortlisted joint secretaries of the Ministry of Finance.
The appointment comes at a critical time as Pakistan prepares for the next phase of its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including the fourth review of its ongoing bailout programme.
Government Begins Selection Process for IMF Senior Adviser
The Prime Minister’s Office has constituted the committee to interview three nominees recommended by the Ministry of Finance. All three candidates are experienced joint secretaries with extensive backgrounds in economic policy and public finance.
According to sources, the finance ministry had initially prioritized Maryum Kayani, Joint Secretary (Budget), who previously served in the ministry’s External Finance Wing.
The other shortlisted candidates are Moazam Raza, Joint Secretary overseeing IMF-related matters in the External Finance Wing, and Nadeem Ahsan, Joint Secretary responsible for relations with other international lenders.
Committee to Conduct Interviews This Month
A senior government official said the ministerial committee will interview all three candidates before making its final recommendation.
While the Ministry of Finance had reportedly preferred Maryum Kayani for the position, the Prime Minister’s Office opted for a committee-based selection process to ensure the appointment is made on merit and the most suitable candidate is chosen.
Role Extends Beyond Pakistan-IMF Relations
The Senior Adviser position carries responsibilities that go well beyond managing Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with the IMF.
The adviser works closely with the IMF Executive Director, who represents a constituency of eight member countries on the Fund’s Executive Board.
The role includes evaluating financing requests from member states, contributing to Article-IV consultation reports, reviewing policy papers, and participating in discussions on global economic and financial issues.
Transition Comes Ahead of Key IMF Review
Pakistan’s current Senior Adviser, Saifullah Dogar, has completed his three-year tenure and is returning to Pakistan.
Although there was an earlier proposal to extend his assignment, the government ultimately decided to proceed with a new appointment.
The transition comes ahead of Pakistan’s fourth review under the $7 billion IMF bailout programme, which is expected around September 21.
Alongside the programme review, the IMF will also conduct a comprehensive Article-IV consultation, assessing Pakistan’s overall economic performance and medium-term debt sustainability beyond the current programme, which expires in September next year.
External Financing Needs Remain in Focus
According to IMF projections, Pakistan’s gross external financing requirements remain substantial.
The Fund estimates financing needs at approximately $21 billion during the current fiscal year, increasing by around 42% to nearly $30 billion in fiscal year 2027-28.
However, during a recent meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance assured officials that Pakistan currently faces no external financing gap, with all funding requirements for the ongoing fiscal year expected to be met.
Government Also Preparing ADB Adviser Appointment
In addition to the IMF appointment, the government has also initiated the process to nominate Pakistan’s next adviser at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila.
The five-year advisory position rotates between Pakistan and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Nasheeta Mohsin, Special Secretary Finance, has recently been appointed as Pakistan’s new Executive Director at the ADB.
These appointments at key international financial institutions come at an important time as Pakistan seeks to strengthen economic diplomacy, maintain international financial support, and navigate upcoming multilateral engagements.