Finance Ministry Statement On Public News TV Programme

ISLAMABAD: Public News TV Programme “Khabar Garm Hai” aired on Thursday 3rd January 2019, carried negative comments on Pak-IMF negotiations and the Finance Minister, quoting IMF’s objection to Minister’s behavior and state of preparedness for talks.

First and foremost, Ministry of Finance takes strong exception to the remarks about Finance Minister in reference to IMF. IMF has never ever expressed any objection to the Finance Minister’s attitude or his preparedness for negotiations at any juncture.

Finance Ministry has always been fully prepared whenever it was in negotiation with the IMF and they never raised any objection on this account at any round of talks.

It is for the first time that a comprehensive home-grown stabilization and growth strategy has been shared with the IMF. It is based on strong economic fundamentals of the country and shows a recovery path after ensuring macro-economic stabilization.

Ministry of Finance has had a continuous engagement with the IMF. Further negotiations would be held after their Christmas/New Year break is over.

It is reiterated that IMF has never raised any concern ever, on the sanctity of the talks or any member of the team of Ministry of Finance.

The government since coming into office has undertaken key necessary actions of managing the twin deficits, revival of energy sector, and social protection in the country. This has reduced the monthly current account deficit and is laying the foundation for sustainable balance of payment in the future.