ISLAMABAD – Finance Minister Asad Umar said in Senate that Pakistan has yetnot decided to take a bailout package from International Monetary Fund[IMF]. He said consultations on economic situation are continuing and thefinal decision will be taken after taking on board the Parliament.
About National Finance Commission Award, Asad Umar said it is aconstitutional obligation and on the first day in his office, he directedthe finance secretary to initiate the process for the new NFC Award.
He said it will be his utmost endeavor to announce new NFC Award at theearliest.
Meanwhile, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari categorically statedthat the new government will strongly and firmly take up the water issuewith India.
She told the Senate during question hour today that India has not withdrawnfrom Indus Water Treaty and it is liable to the provisions of the treaty.
Shireen Mazari regretted that previous governments resorted to the policyof appeasement and did not take up the issue of water effectively withIndia. She pointed out that India has constructed dams in violation ofIndus Water Treaty. She said that Pakistan did take up the matter with theWorld Bank but it refrained from playing the role of arbitrator. She saidwe will reassert the Indian side to adhere to the treaty.