Pakistan, IMF hold technical level talks 

Islamabad: The review mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tuesday reached Pakistan today (Tuesday), and negotiations are underway at the delegation level.

The IMF delegation will hold important talks with the Pakistani delegation led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, while Nathan Porter is heading the IMF delegation.

In the meeting, the implementation of the ninth review mission was being reviewed.

The IMF review mission will stay in Pakistan for 10 days. There will be negotiations between the review mission and Pakistan for the next installment of 1.1 billion dollars.

Technical talks between Pakistan and IMF will continue from today till February 2 (Friday) and the economic data will be exchanged. Pakistan will brief the delegation on reforms and review the implementation of IMF demands.

There will be policy level talks till February 9 in which Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will also participate. Pakistan will present its approach to the problems faced by the economy and their solutions and ask for concessions.

Reportedly, upon completion of the ninth economic review with the IMF, the program is likely to get on track and get $1.1 billion.

The IMF review delegation will be informed on the current account deficit, energy sector reforms, while being apprised of progress in the revolving credit and privatization program.

According to reports, several conditions have been fulfilled before the arrival of the IMF review mission and a decision on electricity and gas is also expected soon, after which the way will be paved for the completion of the economic agreement with the IMF.