Pakistan has expressed dissatisfaction with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Corruption Diagnostic Assessment Report, terming it incomplete and unfair. Officials confirmed the government is preparing a detailed formal response.
Government’s Reform Measures
According to officials, Pakistan has implemented multiple reforms to improve governance and curb corruption. The Financial Monitoring Unit was activated to strengthen oversight against money laundering. Faceless customs operations and transformation reforms were introduced in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to limit malpractice.
Transparency and Accountability
The government highlighted key accountability measures already enforced. Politically exposed persons (PEPs) are required to declare their assets. Civil servants must also disclose their holdings under new legislation. These steps, officials argue, represent significant progress toward transparency.
Criticism of IMF Assessment
Authorities maintain that the IMF’s Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Mission overlooked these reforms. Pakistan believes the assessment should have acknowledged improvements before issuing critical conclusions.
Compliance with IMF Targets
Pakistan stressed that FBR’s tax reforms were fully aligned with IMF conditions. A comprehensive transformation plan is also underway to simplify and modernize the tax system.
Fiscal Discipline Measures
The government pointed out that supplementary grants cannot be approved without parliamentary consent. This requirement was introduced to strengthen fiscal responsibility. Additionally, all tax exemptions have been withdrawn, except those specifically agreed with the IMF.
Broader Position
Pakistan’s response underscores that governance indicators are improving due to consistent reform. The country maintains that IMF conclusions failed to reflect these achievements, making the report unbalanced.
Also on TTI:
Rainfall Records Across the Twin Cities
According to official rainfall data, Islamabad’s Saidpur received 40 millimetres, while Golra recorded 66 millimetres. In Rawalpindi, Shamsabad saw 25 millimetres, Pirwadhai registered 35 millimetres, and New Katarian recorded 60 millimetres.
Continuous monitoring of Nullah Lai and drainage channels is underway as water levels have risen significantly. At Katarian, water in Nullah Lai reached 13 feet, while at Gawalmandi, it stood at four feet.
Authorities Place Emergency Response in Motion
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has imposed a rain emergency. Heavy machinery and staff are actively deployed in different areas. According to WASA officials, all precautionary steps have been taken to minimize flood risk.
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar Cheema inspected several locations and confirmed that an advanced flood warning system has been activated. He added that civic bodies remain on high alert as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall in the coming days.
