Rs45 billion from the Workers’ Welfare Fund has been appropriated by the finance ministry.

The decision was taken while scrutinising the accounts of NHA pertaining to Musharraf’s tenure.

Persistent borrowing to bridge budget gap and rupee fall add substantially to the debt.

Says projects delayed due to issues regarding inadequate compensation.

Jeffrey Franks says the economy is in dire straits and that a bailout programme is inevitable.

Washington-based fund wants consensus across the board to approve programme.

World Bank also sees slow pace of economy in the next two years.

Owes Tehran $63 million for electricity and iron ore supply.

To capitalise on the opportunity, Pakistan needs to outsmart India.

Mission chief says the programme will not be signed unless all parties endorse it.