Pakistan will fulfill IMF requirements for current program: Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday emphasized that the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was a significant accomplishment that would positively impact the Pakistani economy by strengthening it and increasing the value of the Pakistani rupee.

Ishaq Dar said those who aimed to destabilize Pakistan were disappointed as their efforts proved unsuccessful. He assured that the matters with the IMF had been resolved in a rational manner, and there would be no difficulties in meeting the conditions set by the IMF.

Highlighting Pakistan's successful completion of previous IMF programs, Dar expressed confidence that the country would fulfill the requirements of the current program. He criticized the previous government, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for deviating from the IMF agreement and emphasized that complying with agreements was the responsibility of the state, as straying from such agreements negatively impacts the country's economy.

Dar suggested that if the PTI government had adhered to the agreement, the current situation could have been avoided. He added that the upcoming government must abide by the terms and conditions set by the IMF.

Expressing optimism, Dar expressed his hopes that this would be the last IMF program for Pakistan, eliminating the need for a future program. He also dismissed the possibility of extending the term of the assemblies, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made it clear that he will complete the term and step down accordingly.

Regarding the selection of a caretaker prime minister, Dar mentioned that the decision would be made through consultation with allies, with the process expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that power would be handed over to the interim government in August. In a speech lasting over 14 minutes, he acknowledged the challenges and conspiracies faced by the coalition government, but highlighted their successful efforts in steering the country in the right direction within a short period.

The Prime Minister also recognized that the IMF program, agreed upon by the previous government under the toughest conditions, posed a significant obstacle to the economic revival of the country.