IMF mission chief's statement is interference in internal affairs: Aisha Ghaus

Islamabad: Minister of State for Finance Aisha Ghaus Pasha Wednesday termed the statement of International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief Nathan Porter as interference in Pakistan's internal affairs.

Talking to media in Islamabad, Minister of State for Finance said: “Nathan Porter should not interfere in domestic and political affairs, moreover I do not know what he has stated exactly as nothing has been officially communicated to us”.

Ayesha Ghaus Pasha added that the delay in the loan program is not in the interest of both Pakistan and IMF, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured Managing Director (MD) of IMF regarding implementation of conditions and completion of program. It is hoped that a staff level agreement will be reached before the new budget.

“The budget of the new financial year will be an election year budget which is being prepared on the basis of June 9,” continued the minister.

Pasha further stated that people will get relief in new budget as efforts have been made not to put more burden on the common man. IMF has allowed targeted subsidies to Pakistan.

It is pertinent be note that in a statement yesterday, the mission chief of IMF, Nathan Porter said that IMF takes notice of political developments, but does not comment on the country's politics. Hopefully a peaceful way forward will be found according to the constitution and law.