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Pakistan Pays $2.69 Billion in IMF Interest Since 2008, Including $533 Million in Surcharges

Pakistan has paid a total of $2.69 billion (SDR 1.90 billion) in interest to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 2008, including $533 million (SDR 401.24 million) in surcharges, according to new data from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD). The year 2025 marked the highest annual interest payment at SDR 376 million, reflecting Pakistan’s growing debt obligations amid its ongoing IMF programmes.

The payments span multiple IMF arrangements over 17 years, including standby, extended fund, and rapid financing programmes. The EAD data shows total IMF disbursements of SDR 17.45 billion during this period, as Pakistan continues to rely on multilateral funding to stabilize its economy.

IMF Programme Period Amount Disbursed (SDR bn) Interest Paid (SDR mn)
Standby Arrangement 2008–10 4.94 257.5
Disaster Assistance 2010 0.30 14.5
Extended Fund Facility (EFF) 2013 4.39 543.6
Rapid Financing Instrument 2020 3.04 110.1
Standby Arrangement 2023 1.02 142.23
Extended Fund Facility (EFF) 2024 2.25 17.6
Standby Programme 2008 1.52

An EAD official said,

“The rising interest payments underline Pakistan’s heavy dependence on IMF support over the past two decades.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on October 15, 2025, under the ongoing 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and 28-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Once approved by the IMF Executive Board, this will unlock $1.2 billion in fresh funding, bringing total disbursements under both programmes to $3.3 billion.