Pakistan, Oct. 6 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stopped the federal government from allocating funds to flood-affected areas for relief projects. Today is a crucial day as the IMF mission holds economic review talks with Pakistan's Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Energy.

According to sources, the IMF has been briefed about the Reko Dik copper and gold mine project, whose cost has risen from $4.3 billion to $7.72 billion. The first phase estimates an annual copper production of 200,000 metric tons.

The IMF will also be updated again on flood damage and its impact on Pakistan's economic growth, tax revenue, and development targets. Discussions will include revising budget goals after the floods. However, the IMF has inst...