(1) Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan by area, located in the southwest of the country. The province is sparsely populated but rich in natural resources, including gas, coal, and minerals, yet it remains underdeveloped compared to other regions of Pakistan. Balochistan has also experienced political unrest and insurgency, driven largely by demands for greater autonomy and concerns over resource distribution and governance.
(2) Starting in September 2024, Pakistan reportedly reached a $7 billion deal with the IMF, to be disbursed periodically over 37 months. In October 2025, it was reported that a $1.2 billion disbursement had been agreed. Under the program, the IMF requires Pakistan to implement tight fiscal and monetary policies (e.g., reducing government spending on subsidies and state-funded projects, increasing taxes, and raising interest rates to control inflation), encourage opening key sectors to private investment and market mechanisms particularly in energy enterprises, and pursue climate adaptation measures, such as investing in renewable energy and planning for climate-related risks.