ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has requested assistance from the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) to reduce the cost of electricity for the generalpeople.
In a virtual meeting with IMF spokeswoman Esther Perez Ruiz, interimfinance minister Shamshad Akhtar made several proposals and the IMFrequested a formal plan.
Local media reported that the ministry of finance and IMF discussedreducing the cost of the power bills.
The international lender was informed of the crisis that resulted from theincrease in electricity prices.
According to ministry officials, a number of suggestions were made to theIMF about the reduction of electricity rates.
The IMF was briefed on Pakistan’s position about lower energy prices. Ithas asked for a detailed strategy to reduce electricity costs.
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According to officials at the Finance Ministry, the formal proposal wouldprobably be given to the IMF by the end of the day.
The Federal Board of Revenue’s first-month performance was also discussedduring the virtual meeting with the IMF.
Taxes of Rs538 billion in the current fiscal year were collected in July,exceeding the monthly goal by Rs 4 billion.
The sources also said that the IMF has evaluated the FBR’s performance.Additionally, it commended FBR for achieving the tax target.
