No link between CPEC and IMF Package; confirms Caretaker Finance Minister, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar

Talking to local media, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, on Thursday, reiterated the sentiments echoed by the Caretaker Foreign Minister on the unfairness of the attempt to link CPEC with an IMF package.

She clearly stated that there is no link between the two, and updated the media that consultations with the fund are however necessary for the economic stability of the country. 

However, she expressed her discontent at calling the IMF program a ‘bailout’ package as she mentioned that the government was under no pressure for the immediate pay offs of loans. 

She also informed the media that Foreign exchange reserves had reached 10.3 billion dollars.

On the currency markets, she expressed the view that it is difficult to forecast the value of the rupee as the dollar rupee exchange rate parity is decided by market forces.