ISLAMABAD: As negotiations between the two major political parties for the formation of a government at the Center continue, the finance minister’s portfolio will be critical to the new setup as the country faces economic issues.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had five rounds of talks but were unable to achieve an agreement; they will meet again today.
As the country faces an economic crisis, whoever forms the new administration will eventually have to seek a new arrangement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The future finance minister’s job will hardly be a bed of roses, as he will have to confront three urgent issues, including the completion of the ongoing IMF.Then, negotiating a staggered deal with the lender, and finally presenting and receiving approval for the next budget (2024–25) in accordance with the IMF programme requirements.
