The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Thursday, stated that it washolding constructive discussions with Pakistan as part of the seventhprogram review of the $6 billion bailout package, as reported by Reuters.
IMF spokesman, Gerry Rice, declined to comment directly on the globallender’s assessment of the subsidy plans but said that the ongoing talkshad been “constructive” in terms of ensuring that Pakistan meets priorconditions pertaining to “fiscal prudence, external sector viability (and),due protection of vulnerable groups from high international energy and foodprices.”
Pakistani officials have stated that they are certain that they can addressany concerns that the IMF may have regarding the country’s $1.5 billionelectricity subsidy.
The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin, statedyesterday that the seventh review meeting between Pakistan and the IMF hadconcluded, and the lender will likely respond about the discussions soon(today).
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In an informal discussion with reporters, he dispelled the rumor that thedialogue between Pakistan and the IMF has been suspended, and added thatthe authorities have briefed the fund about the various steps taken forPakistan’s economic growth.link
