New Delhi, May 10 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 9 May unlocked the immediate disbursement of about $1 billion to Pakistan under the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF), a program that provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems.

In recent years, Pakistan has grappled with a range of overlapping crises, including a resurgence of "state-sponsored terrorism", and escalating border tensions with both Afghanistan and Iran. These challenges have been compounded by a deeply polarised and unstable political landscape that has long characterised the country's governance.

Also Read: Mint Primer: Does Pakistan have the wherewithal to fight India?

Pakistan has entered into 25 fi...