*J&K CM Slams IMF for $1B Loan to Pakistan Amid Cross-Border Attacks*
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a $1 billion loan to Pakistan, accusing the global body of effectively funding Islamabad’s cross-border aggression.
Abdullah, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said the IMF was “essentially reimbursing” Pakistan for the ammunition used to target Indian border regions such as Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, and Tangdhar.
His remarks came a day after the IMF approved the disbursement under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), despite India’s objections over Pakistan’s alleged role in sponsoring terrorism across the Line of Control.
I’m not sure how the “International Community” thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 10, 2025
India formally protested during the IMF board meeting, expressing concern that the funds could be misused to finance military strikes. New Delhi abstained from voting, citing ongoing drone and missile attacks from Pakistan on Indian military positions and civilian areas for a third consecutive night.
The IMF, however, defended the decision, stating Pakistan’s reform efforts had helped stabilize its economy. The latest loan follows a March agreement tied to structural reforms, including a carbon tax and utility tariff hikes.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the approval, claiming India’s diplomatic efforts to block the funding had failed.
The IMF board also approved $1.4 billion in climate resilience support, bringing total disbursements under the program to $2.1 billion — a decision now sparking fresh controversy amid rising regional tensions.
