NEW YORK: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shown willingness to engage with the new Pakistani administration while dismissing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s demand that the lender conduct an audit of the election results before authorizing any fresh loan for Islamabad.
During a press briefing, IMF Director Communications Julie Kozack stated that on January 11, the lender increased total disbursements under the Standby Arrangement (SBA) to $1.9 billion, adding that the programme is “supporting the authority’s efforts to stabilise the economy and, of course, with a strong focus on protecting the most vulnerable.”
The official also praised the interim arrangement, stating that the authorities kept the economy stable during the caretaker government’s tenure.
“This has been accomplished by strictly adhering to fiscal targets while also protecting the social safety net.” It has been accomplished by keeping a tight monetary policy stance to manage inflation and continue to accumulate foreign exchange reserves,” she stated.
The spokesperson also stated that they “look forward to working with the new government on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens.”
When asked about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s demand for an audit of poll results, she responded, “I’m not going to comment on ongoing political developments.”
The IMF issued its remark in reaction to the PTI’s founding chairman’s decision to submit a letter to the global lender urging it to call for an audit of the February 8 election before it continues talks with Islamabad for a new loan programme.
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“Imran Khan will send a letter to the IMF today.” The charters of the IMF, EU, and other institutions state that they can only function or offer loans to a country provided there is effective governance,” PTI leader’s attorney Barrister Ali Zafar told media at the Adiala Jail on Thursday.
Zafar claimed that the people’s mandate was stolen in the dark of night, and that democracy could not function without it. He said that the entire globe witnessed rigging in the general elections.
He stated that Imran would write a letter to the Washington-based lender requesting that the government of Pakistan perform an audit of the rigged constituencies using an impartial audit team.
