THE IMPACTS OF IMF ON PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY: AN ANALYSIS OF PTI GOVERNMENT (2018-2022)

Abstract

This paper examines how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) influenced Pakistan’s economic independence during the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from 2018 to 2022. Using Dependency Theory as the guiding framework, it focuses on the 2019 Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program and studies how the conditions set by the IMF affected Pakistan’s control over its budget, monetary policies, and public welfare programs. The research is based on a qualitative review of policy documents, interviews, and media reports. It finds that although IMF funding helped Pakistan avoid a major financial crisis, it also greatly limited the country’s ability to make independent economic decisions. These findings raise serious concerns about Pakistan’s long-term economic autonomy and the strength of its economic governance, highlighting the ongoing struggle between maintaining financial stability and protecting national sovereignty.