ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan here discussed and reviewed economic and fiscal policies as well as reforms agenda to accomplish 9th review under Extended Fund Facility.

According to press statement issued by Finance Ministry, Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar held meeting with IMF review Mission led its Chief Nathan Porter.

International Monetary Fund  agreed to Pakistan's request of providing relief via Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to poor segment of society but insisted on “Strict adherence” to financial discipline. 

IMF resident Representative Esther Perez Ruiz, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue, Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jamil Ahmed, Secretary Finance, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, members of IMF delegation and senior officers from finance division attended.

Dar briefed mission on fiscal and economic reforms and measures being taken by government in different sectors including bridging fiscal gap, exchange rate stability and in energy sector for betterment of economy.

He apprised that reforms were being introduced in power sector and a high level committee has been formed for devising modalities to offset menace of circular debt in gas sector.

Dar extended gratitude to Managing Director of IMF on continuation of talks and said government was committed to complete current programme.

He extended all his support to Mission and committed to work together for reaching an agreement to complete 9th review under Extended Fund Facility. IMF Mission Chief, expressed his confidence that government will meet IMF requirements for completion of 9th review and hoped that Pakistan would continue towards its progress on reforms in various sectors and complete IMF Programme within time effectively. He added that IMF and Pakistan will be working together on fiscal reforms, statement added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 01 2023

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