Credit ratings agency S&P Global raised Pakistan’s long-term sovereign credit rating to “B” from “B-” , citing stronger institutional stability and effective implementation ‌of reforms under an IMF program.

Pakistan’s rating outlook was held at “stable” as sustained official financing is expected to help the country meet its external obligations while allowing it to continue rolling over commercial credit lines over the next 12 months.

The agency said the government’s efforts to widen the tax base have improved revenue collection and accelerated fiscal consolidation, supporting a gradual decline in the country’s debt burden.

Reforms backed by the IMF have helped restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild foreign exchange reserves and ease ​strains on Pakistan’s fiscal and external positions, S&P said.

Tax reforms and continued foreign inflows have also strengthened the country’s fiscal and ‌external buffers against potential external shocks, the rating agency said.

Source: Reuters