Pakistan does not need IMF support anymore: Finance minister

KARACHI - Newly appointed Federal Fiance Minister Rana Afzal on Thursday said Pakistan did not need to look towards International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance any more as county's economic outlook is positive.

Addressing a presser, he said that Pakistan's foreign reserves stood at $19.7 billion which is enough for meeting the debt obligation. He added that Pakistan's condition has improved economically.

He further said that the country's exports observed a 17 percent growth in past five month, adding that import of unnecessary goods is being discouraged by imposing taxes.

He hoped that the fiscal deficit would decrease in the coming days, adding, "We want to leave a financially strong Pakistan before next elections".

Afzal said that Pakistan would satisfy the United States on every concern, adding that issues should be resolved through talks.

Afzal slamming PTI chief Imran Khan said that he never appreciated any development in the country under the PML-N.