As Pakistan backs away from its anti-corruption transparency pledge, the consequences could ripple beyond its $7 billion IMF loan programme, threatening regional stability in South Asia and causing repercussions in Europe.

Just months after committing to publish the full United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Country Review Report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has formed a cabinet committee to reconsider. Instead of the full report, which could run up to 300 pages, the government may now opt for a 7-12 page summary.

This reversal comes at a critical time: an IMF mission is in Pakistan, assessing whether to approve the next $1.1 billion loan tranche. The cabinet committee’s recommendation – due March 13 – coincides with the IMF’s final assessment, making it a pivotal decision.