Pakistan, May 2 -- The Resident Representative of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Pakistan Dr Mahir Binici has said that the ongoing Middle East conflict is likely to create a significant economic slowdown and heightened risks across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) region.

He was speaking at an outreach session here at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), where he presented the IMF's April 2026 Regional Economic Outlook Update regarding the MENAP region, said a press release.

Dr Binici said the outbreak of war on February 28 had triggered a severe and multifaceted shock, disrupting energy markets, trade routes and financial conditions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. These devel...