IMF approves $1.4b in aid to Pakistan

The IMF on Thursday approved nearly $1.4 billion in emergency aid to Pakistan to help it weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan has recorded just over 100 deaths but experts have voiced fear that the country of 215 million could see a rapid and devastating increase due to its shortage of medical infrastructure and crowded cities.

The IMF said it was providing the $1.386 billion under a so-called rapid financing instrument, which addresses emergencies and does not subject a country to a full-fledged reform program that undergoes review.