IMF asks govt to raise petroleum prices for issuance of loan instalment
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IMF asks govt to raise petroleum prices for issuance of loan instalment
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to end subsidies on electricity and petroleum products to revive the program, Dunya News reported on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the IMF, the IMF mission, led by Nathan Porter, held virtual and direct talks with Pakistani officials on policies to ensure economic stability and sustainable growth in Pakistan from May 18 to May 25.
The statement stated that the mission held constructive talks with Pakistani officials to reach an agreement on policies and reforms to conclude the seventh review of the pending reform program, which is supported by the IMF Extended Fund Facility arrangements.
The IMF said that significant improvements had been made during the mission, including high inflation and fiscal and current account deficits, while adequate protection was being ensured to end the sharp decline. In this regard, the implementation of the policy rate hike from May 23 was a welcome step.
It was informed that the promises made in the previous review in the financial sector have not been fulfilled and the authorities announced partial subsidies for fuel and energy in February, statement sated.
"The team emphasized the urgency of concrete policy actions, including in the context of removing fuel and energy subsidies and the FY2023 budget, to achieve program objectives." IMF added.
“The IMF team looks forward to continuing its dialogue and close engagement with Pakistan’s government on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability for the benefit all of Pakistan’s citizens.”
IMF demands implementation of PTI govt s roadmap
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked new coalition government to implement roadmap made by previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, Dunya News reported on Tuesday.
According to details, the international lender has asked Finance Minister Miftah Ismail to honor commitments made by his predecessor Shaukat Tarin in January.
The IMF said that Imran Khan’s government was willing to hike power tariff by Rs3.94 and imposing a petroleum levy of Rs30. After these commitments additional $1 billion was issued to Pakistan, it added.
The lender further said that it wants implementation of roadmap that was approved by Parliament during previous government.
