New Delhi, May 13 -- After much political bravado over not requiring a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has had to swallow his pride and accept $6 billion from the multilateral lender to rescue his country's debt-ridden economy. Over the weekend, the IMF agreed to give Pakistan the financial assistance over a three-year period, provided it undertakes a series of reforms: from an economic overhaul that would involve slashing subsidies, expanding the tax base and raising electricity prices, to a political fix-it plan that would require it to strengthen institutions, combat money laundering and choke terror funding. The aid comes at a time when Pakistan's economic growth is expected to hit the lowest in nearly a decade, the public exchequer's finances have dwindled and the country's foreign exchange reserves have shrunk to levels barely enough to cover two months' imports. Islamabad needs the money. It should adhere strictly to the revival plan if it is to reduce the risk of an economic implosion that could threaten stability in the region. After all, a "failed state" is the last thing India needs on its western border....