Islamabad, June 28, 2023: Minister for Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stating that positive news would be announced soon.
In an interview with a private news channel on Tuesday, the Finance Minister highlighted economic revival and trade deficit as two significant challenges facing the country.
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Senator Dar acknowledged that Pakistan’s foreign debt had increased by $30 billion over the past four years. He further mentioned that the policy rate had been raised to 22% at the request of the IMF. The Finance Minister also criticized the previous government for failing to adhere to the conditions laid down in the IMF agreement.
Regarding government employees, Senator Dar emphasized the efforts made to benefit the salaried class in the country. He stated that significant measures had been taken to improve the conditions and welfare of government employees.
The Finance Minister’s positive outlook on the ongoing negotiations with the IMF indicates the government’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and seeking international support to strengthen the country’s financial stability. The anticipated good news from the IMF, as mentioned by Senator Dar, will be awaited with interest, as it could potentially contribute to Pakistan’s economic revival and assist in addressing the trade deficit.
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The government’s efforts to prioritize the welfare of government employees demonstrate its commitment to supporting the salaried class and enhancing their living standards. As the negotiations progress, it remains to be seen how the outcomes will shape Pakistan’s economic landscape and the steps that will be taken to address the challenges ahead.
