Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha slams IMF for ‘intervening’ in Pakistan’s internal matters

ISLAMABAD, May 31 (SABAH): State Minister for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha on Wednesday slammed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for “intervening” in Pakistan’s internal matters.

“Pakistan’s conduct is in line with the law,” the state minister said, terming IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan Nathan Porter’s statement — regarding the political situation in Pakistan — “extraordinary”.

While the IMF does not comment on domestic politics, Porter had said that the Fund hopes “a peaceful way forward is found in line with the Constitution and the rule of law.”

Hoping that both sides will reach a staff-level agreement before the announcement of the federal budget — expected to be unveiled on June 9 — for the fiscal year 2023-24, the state minister said that the delay is neither good for Pakistan nor the Fund.

Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha confirmed reports that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif contacted IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, adding that the premier assured the fund’s chief that Pakistan will meet all its obligations.

Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha termed a statement spelling out conditions to unlock the stalled bailout package by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as “meddling in internal affairs”.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the minister of state for finance said Pakistan had other options should the deal with the IMF fall through. “The finance ministry is not unprepared if an agreement is not reached with the IMF,” said Pasha, “a Plan B is always in place but our preference would be to go with the IMF programme”.

“Pakistan is running in accordance with the law,” she stressed adding that “the statement by the IMF mission chief to Pakistan is extra-ordinary.” “Intervening in Pakistan’s internal affairs is not the IMF’s mandate,” she furthered.

The minister categorically stated that a delay in the resumption of the programme would not be in the interest of both parties, noting that PM Shehbaz Sharif has provided assurances to MD Georgieva about Pakistan’s commitment to completing the conditions to complete the programme.

“Hopefully we will reach an agreement before the new budget is presented and by June 30, the IMF programme will be completed,” said Pasha.

She also noted that the budget of the new fiscal year will be the “election-year budget” and is being prepared on the basis of June 9. The minister also said that the IMF allows targeted subsidies to Pakistan.