PM Shehbaz Sharif is optimistic
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showed optimism about Pakistan’s chances of signing a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month.
PM Shehbaz said the coalition government has accepted all the conditions of the IMF and implemented them.
Premier stated this on Sunday while addressing a ceremony in Lahore to inaugurate the Sports Complex.
Earlier, in an interview with Turkish news agency Anadolu in Ankara, PM Shehbaz appeared optimistic about signing a much-awaited deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in June.
PM Sharif said Pakistan has completed all the terms and conditions of the ninth review of the IMF. Pakistanis can hear good news about the resumption of IMF loan this month, he added.
Premier said, “Pakistan has fulfilled all requirements of the IMF as prior actions.”
The people of Pakistan have faced challenges in the past and they will “tighten our belt” and rise again in case the deal with IMF was not materialized.
PM Shehbaz said the coalition government has navigated challenges with the support of the people of Pakistan and with the help of “brotherly and friendly nations.”
Ishaq Dar on a collision course with IMF
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar seems to be on a collision course with the International Monetary Fund. He also blamed the IMF for the ongoing political instability in Pakistan.
Dar said, “The IMF is one of the main contributors and it is part of political instability in Pakistan.”
To a question about what would happen if the IMF did not approve the 9th review, Dar said it would be unfair if that happened. Minister, nonetheless, was optimistic that the ninth review would conclude within this month.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said, “The government is working on a Plan B if the IMF said ‘absolutely not’ to the resumption of pending loan for Pakistan.
He said, “The Plan B is always in place which is self-reliance. We cannot talk about it much in public. But, Insha’Allah, Pakistan will not default.”
