Farmers in Pakistan Protest IMF Policies, Demand PASSCO Restoration
What happened
Small farmers in Pakistan held nationwide protests on October 19, 2026, demanding guaranteed support prices and the immediate restoration of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). The protests, organized by the Pakistan Kissan Rabta Committee, cited a deepening rural crisis caused by rising costs for fertilizers, diesel, and seeds. Participants opposed the economic policies of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, arguing they promote market deregulation and weaken public agricultural institutions.
From ianslive.in
Why it matters
The crisis is driven by rising input costs and non-viable crop returns, pushing small landholders toward financial collapse. Farmers are demanding a robust public procurement mechanism to protect growers from exploitation by middlemen and market cartels. The protests challenge the economic policies of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, which are central to Pakistan's current economic stability.
Pakistan is facing severe economic challenges, requiring bailouts from the International Monetary Fund and relying on World Bank data and financing from Saudi Arabia.
From ianslive.in
Who's involved
- PakistanSovereign state facing agricultural crisis and policy protests.
- International Monetary FundInternational financial institution whose policies are opposed by farmers.
- World BankInternational financial institution whose policies are opposed by farmers.
- Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services CorporationGovernment agency demanded to be restored by farmers.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
The restoration of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation could stabilize procurement and support prices for farmers in Punjab.
- PakistanSpeculative
The agricultural crisis might trigger food insecurity concerns, impacting national demand.
Keep exploring
Part of
Pakistan is facing severe economic challenges, requiring bailouts from the IMF and relying on World Bank data and financing from Saudi Arabia.Also in this story
- The economic challenges facing Pakistan are being exacerbated by the IMF approval process, which now hinges on finding alternative revenue sources.
- Pakistan managed external financing requirements and rolled over $5 billion in debt for three years.
- Pakistan seeks IMF programs to unlock World Bank loans while the World Bank examines the NFC Award for financial viability.
The entities involved
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Pakistan
sovereign state in South Asia
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International Monetary Fund
international financial institution
- Pakistan's new auto policy, approved by Shehbaz Sharif, is underway amidst IMF pressure for auto sector liberalization, affecting market share of companies like Honda, Suzuki, and Toyota.
- Qatar's minister participates in international dialogue, signs UN agreements, and IMF forecasts slowing growth in developing economies.
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World Bank
international financial institution
Related events
- Pakistan is exploring digital finance opportunities and seeking cooperation on financial innovation with the IMF, IFC, and World Bank Group.
- Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to deepen economic and energy cooperation.
- Pakistan plans to explore Eurobond tokenisation and seeks cabinet approval for a tokenisation initiative.
- The International Monetary Fund is providing financial assistance to Pakistan, with the State Bank of Pakistan monitoring the success indicators.