'Tough' IMF program will have political consequences: Finance Minister
FBR did a good job but some cases of harassment were also reported: Shaukat Tarin
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin on Wednesday said that program of International Monetary Fund (IMF) has some tough conditions which will also have a political cost.
Finance Minister, while addressing a press conference, said that Pakistan has not left the IMF program but the country will ask it to loosen some of its conditions. We will ask IMF to give some space and to not give any targets; however, the government will try its best to increase the revenue.
Talking about economic situation of the country, the minister said that agriculture, which is stagnant from past 15 years, is most important industry of Pakistan and government would have to take steps for its promotion. IT sector can also become a game changer in next 5 -10 years, he added.
He stressed on giving more importance to CPEC and said that China has spent a massive sum on infrastructure of Pakistan and government is also asking the country to set up its companies in Pakistan.
Talking about issues faced by taxpayers, Shaukat Tarin said that FBR did a good job but some cases of harassment were also reported and meanwhile NAB has no idea about some issues too. We will have to convince NAB on how things work, he added.
He further added that in next budget, it will be ensured that people who become taxpayers do not face any harassment.
