ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reportedly reached an agreement after both sides concluded nearly 10-day long talks for the stalled bailout package.
Reports said the IMF delegation, which has been visiting the cash-strapped South Asian country since Jan 31, reached the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad following the conclusion of negotiations.
The team of the global lender held a meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif through video link as the latter is in Lahore for political activities. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was also present on the occasion.
The premier, during the meeting, approved the agreement reached between Pakistan and IMF in the technical and policy level talks, brightening the hopes that the country would secure the much-needed funds soon.
The development comes hours after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar expressed confident that the matters will be settled with the IMF. He also said the people will soon hear the good news.
Reports said the Sharif-led government is set to unveil a new ‘mini-budget’ to impose new taxes worth nearly Rs200 billion to ensure the continuation of the IMF program.
Pakistan facing tough task to impose hefty taxation as policy-level talks underway with IMF
