The IMF’s long-delayed Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment has raised concerns over deep-rooted corruption in Pakistan, caused by major weaknesses across state institutions. The report, which must be released before the IMF board clears a $1.2 billion payment next month, urges Pakistan to immediately launch a 15-point reform plan to improve transparency and accountability. According to the IMF, strong governance reforms introduced within the next three to six months could lift Pakistan’s economic growth by 5 to 6.5 percent over five years. The assessment also calls for ending special treatment for certain state entities, ensuring transparency in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), tightening government financial powers with better parliamentary oversight, and restructuring anti-corruption bodies.