Staff Level Agreement to be signed soon: IMF

April 12, 2023 (MLN): The Staff Level Agreement (SLA) will be signed soon followed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board’s approval, Mr. Jihad Azour Director of IMF, Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD) said on Wednesday during IMF/World Bank Spring meetings which were virtually attended by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. 

The two sides discussed the progress made with the ongoing IMF program, particularly talks held with the IMF Mission during their visit to Pakistan and the implementation of prior actions, the statement issued by Finance Division read. 

 Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar mentioned that due to local important commitments, Prime Minister has asked him to stay in Pakistan due to which he had to cancel his scheduled visit to Washington DC and therefore he is attending the IMF/World Bank Spring meetings via Zoom from Pakistan.

He apprised the IMF team about the economic challenges being faced by the country. He further shared the GoP’s vision for bringing about macroeconomic stability in the country.

He also informed that all prior actions for the 9th Review under the Extended Fund Facility have already been completed and the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to fulfilling its obligations as agreed with the IMF. He mentioned that the only IMF Program completed successfully was under his previous tenure as Finance Minister, the statement added. 

Finance Minister thanked Director Jihad Azour and his IMF team for the support extended in completing the 9th Review.

Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, SAPM on Finance Mr. Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Mr. Tariq Mehmood Pasha attended the meeting virtually from Islamabad. Whereas the Ambassador of Pakistan to the USA Mr. Masood Ahmad Khan, Governor SBP Mr. Jamil Ahmad, Secretary Finance, Secretary EAD attended in person. 

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