IMF calls to lease or sell state-owned enterprises

Islamabad: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for leasing or selling government-owned enterprises, including utility stores.

According to details, the IMF has suggested that utility stores should be abolished or handed over to the private sector and the budget of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) should be increased.

The IMF said that the leadership of state-owned enterprises is detrimental to the economy in the current economic situation.

According to the reports, the caretaker government has not given any response to IMF regarding the privatization of the utility stores or their abolition. However the proposal to increase the annual budget of BISP by abolishing the utility stores is also under consideration.

It is also reported that the Ministry of Industries and Production has not yet reached any conclusion for utility stores as it is difficult to take a final decision on utility stores during the caretaker setup.