Pakistan-IMF talks for revival of loan programme remain inconclusive
IMF wants more taxes imposed: Both sides agree to remain engaged
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The fresh round of talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund for the release of $1 billion loan tranche and a good economic certificate to the nation has remained inconclusive, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
The talks held from October 4 to 15 failed to reach a policy-level agreement because of differences over the macroeconomic framework and uncertainty over the future of Pakistan's economy.
Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin who led the Pakistani delegation into the talks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva could not succeed in persuading the IMF chief regarding the economic steps taken by the Pakistani government.
According to sources, the IMF team wanted the Pakistani government to introduce more taxes. The Fund team had already shot down Tarin’s proposal of not withdrawing the subsidies, the sources added.
Both sides, however, agreed to continue the talks regarding revival of the loan programme.
It was reportedly for the second time that Pakistan and the IMF could not find "basis for the completion of the 6th review", as its first attempt made in June also remained futile.
On the second leg of his visit, Shaukat Tarin along with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Syed Reza Baqir has reached New York City.
Finance Minister @shaukat_tarin met MD, IMF @KGeorgieva. The two reviewed the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the Fund and agreed to remain engaged. @PakinUSA @FinMinistryPak pic.twitter.com/ud0JuBtX43
— Asad M. Khan (@asadmk17) October 16, 2021
Reporter Waqas Azeem