Negotiations between Pakistan, IMF start

Islamabad: The negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have started today (Thursday).

An introductory session was held between the IMF delegation and the economic team at the Ministry of Finance. The IMF delegation was led by Nathan Potter while Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the economic team.

During the introductory session, the Finance Minister, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Chairman Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) briefed the delegation.

Meanwhile, Chairman FBR gave a plan to achieve the tax target for the current financial year and assured the delegation that the target for the current financial year will be achieved without imposing new taxes.

While appreciating the government's initiatives for economic stability, the delegation said that Pakistan will have to adopt strict economic policies for economic stability.

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that economic policies are being followed together with the IMF.

After the introductory session, the IMF delegation left the Ministry of Finance.

The delegation of the International Monetary Fund will hold talks with the Pakistani authorities for the economic review till March 18. IMF officials will also hold meetings with senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, FBR, State Bank, Planning Commission and Petroleum Division.

Earlier, the IMF delegation led by Nathan Porter reached the Finance Ministry, the economic team also reached the Finance Ministry for an introductory session with the delegation.