ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Imran Khan believes that Pakistan cannot shun idea of reaching out to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an economic bailout any sooner and says his party, if returns to power, will “Have no choice” except to stick to lender’s support.

In an interview with Bloomberg, he minced no words while sharing his “Radical plan” to shore up ailing national economy with IMF also having part of it. “If we get into power, we won’t have much time,” Imran told interviewer.

When asked if his plan would involve sticking with IMF, PTI Chief replied, “We have no choice now.”

Imran said his government will have to make unprecedented policies in country. “We fear Sri Lanka-type situation,” he said in reference to default that Pakistan faces. Khan said he would reappoint Shaukat Tarin as Finance Minister. He reiterated his government would pursue an independent foreign policy “Doesn’t lean on any single country such as US or China”.

He recalled that previous government had an “Excellent relationship” with former President Donald Trump, but relations took hit after Joe Biden was elected.

“It’s only when Joe Biden came along that for some reason I found that there was reluctance there,” he said. Commenting on his rivalry with different political parties in country, Imran said entire political status quo was against him. “Right now I’m afraid, I have powerful enemies.”

He suspected that next general elections could be rigged to keep him out of power. “We know exactly who was responsible for regime change [that dislodged PTI from power last year].”

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 27 2023

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