By Khizar Nazir Jutt
ISLAMABAD, June 14,Diplomatic Star (DS) : Federal Minister for Finance, Shaukat Tarin Monday rejected that there was any disagreement between Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme would continue as both wanted it to be carried on.
“Both the government of Pakistan and IMF want to continue the programme,” the minister said while talking to a private news channel.
The minister said there was no danger of Pakistan coming out of the programme or any break down of the programme. He said that both Pakistan and IMF would definitely make understanding, adding that the way Pakistan had chosen for sustainable growth would convenience IMF.
He said that the government had asked the fund to check the economic performance of the country for couple of months and observe the outcome of the existing policies of the government as announced thorough budget.
He said that IMF and the government both were desirous of structural reforms, however the Fund wanted it instantly without considering the ground realities whereas as Pakistan has been doing the same keeping in view the ground realities.
He said that IMF wanted to make some sectors of economy, including power sector financially viable while the country’s target was same but the way it adopted was different from that of the fund.
He said that IMF also wanted enhancing revenues by removing exemptions. However the minister said that Pakistan would increase revenues by utilizing technology to broaden the tax-base instead of burdening the existing taxpayers.
The minister said that the way adopted by the government would lead to stabilization and sustainable growth as demanded by the fund. He said that IMF had agreed to continue discussion and watch the results of the policy adopted by the government for two or three months.
The minister said that the 6th round of talks with IMF scheduled on July would now be held two months later.
