*ISLAMABAD – Federal government’s spokesperson on economy and energyaffairs Dr Farrukh Saleem has said that reaching out to friendly countriesfor assistance may be a better option than seeking assistance from the IMF.*
Pakistan needs support from its sincere and true friends to overcome itseconomic crises, Dr Saleem told APP.
The spokesperson said the PTI government is trying its best to avoid theIMF and instead it is reaching out to Saudi Arabia, China and Gulfcountries to shore up its forex reserves.
The prime minister himself wants to avoid the IMF. He told journalists afew days ago that the government is in contact with friendly countries toresolve the crisis.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia is a positive step in theright direction and it would be highly beneficial for our national andeconomic interests, Dr Saleem said.
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PM Khan is leaving for Saudi Arabia on October 23 to participate in thethree-day Future Investment Initiative conference on special invitationfrom the king of Saudi Arabia.
On October 11, Pakistan formally approached the IMF for a possible bailoutpackage. Finance Minister Asad Umar met IMF officials in Bali and discussedthe terms and conditions.
An IMF team will visit Islamabad in the coming weeks for talks. – APP
