Nov. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan has formally asked the International Monetary Fund for a $9 billion loan, Dawn News channel reported, citing unidentified finance ministry officials.

The South Asian nation has requested the immediate release of $4 billion and an agreement with the IMF is likely to be signed on Nov. 20, Dawn News said.

A further $10 million in assistance is being sought from the `Friends of Pakistan' group to help fight terrorism and get the country back on its feet, the television channel reported, citing Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.S. The group includes the U.S., U.K., China and Saudi Arabia.

The `Friends of Pakistan' is next scheduled to meet in the United Arab Emirates on Nov. 17, Dawn News reported.

To contact the reporter on this story: Michael Dwyer in Singapore at Mdwyer5@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 10, 2008 20:22 EST