January 31, 2023 (MLN): The government and International Monetary fund (IMF) officials on Tuesday discussed and reviewed the economic and fiscal policies and reforms agenda to accomplish the ninth review under the Extended Fund Facility, the statement issued by Finance Division showed.
A meeting was held between Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and IMF Mission Chief Mr. Nathan Porter at Finance Division in Islamabad.
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar welcomed the delegation and shared long-standing friendly relations with the IMF.
He briefed the Mission on fiscal and economic reforms and measures being taken by the government in different sectors including bridging the fiscal gap, exchange rate stability, and in the energy sector for the betterment of the economy.
FM further apprised that reforms are being introduced in the power sector and a high-level committee has been formed for devising modalities to offset the menace of circular debt in the gas sector.
Dar also extended gratitude to the Managing Director of IMF on the continuation of talks and shared that as Finance Minister he had successfully completed the IMF program in the past and that the Government was committed to completing the present program.
Furthermore, he extended all his support to the Mission and committed to working together for reaching an agreement to complete the 9th review under Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
IMF Mission Chief expressed his confidence that the government will meet the IMF requirements for the completion of the 9th review and hoped that Pakistan would continue towards its progress on the reforms in various sectors and complete the IMF Program within time effectively.
IMF and Pakistan will be working together on fiscal reforms, he added.
