IMF Save Us or Hurt Us? I Who Pays For Pakistan’s Stability? I SIA Conversations

Why Pakistan Keeps Going Back to the IMF? In this episode of SIA Conversations Dr. Nadeem ul Haque hosts a high-stakes roundtable on Pakistan’s economic crossroads. Joining him are Nohman Ishtiaq, Ammara Durrani, Asad Ali Shah and Shazia Ghani — each bringing field expertise on IMF programs, fiscal policy, trade data and long-term growth strategy. We begin by interrogating recent PBS GDP and trade releases and move into a hard-nosed debate about the costs and benefits of IMF stabilization: who pays for macro stability, and who benefits from growth? The panel argues that Pakistan’s real failure is not liquidity but a chronic lack of productivity, clear demand-side bargaining in negotiations, and an implementation gap inside its institutions. Highlights: Why the latest GDP and industrial numbers may not tell the full story. How IMF programs stabilize balance sheets — but at what social cost? The difference between a supply vs demand agenda when negotiating with donors. Why export-led growth requires tax, regulatory and institutional changes — not just austerity. Concrete policy levers for Washington talks: what to press for, and what to avoid. Follow & Read Host: Dr. Nadeem ul Haque — Director, SIA. Panel: Nohman Ishtiaq, Ammara Durrani, Asad Ali Shah, Shazia Ghani. Support our work: If you find our analysis useful, consider subscribing and sharing these episodes with peer networks. #Pakistan #Economy #IMF #Debt #Growth #Policy #Reform #Privatization #Exports #Data #Fiscal #Governance #Investment #Taxation #Productivity #Development #Trade #Stability #Jobs #crisis 0:00 Intro — Cameras On & Agenda 2:10 Opening Remarks by Dr. Nadeem ul Haque 5:00 PBS Data & GDP: Credibility Issues 12:30 IMF Program Overview — What’s Been Done? 22:00 Impact of IMF on Poverty and Jobs 30:00 Demand Agenda vs Supply Agenda (Ammara) 36:00 Export-Led Growth: Taxation & Competitiveness 43:30 IMF Exit — Policy Gaps & Energy Tariffs 50:00 Privatization, Health & Education Debate