The IMF has highlighted the remaining shortcomings of the economy of Pakistan
FAISALABAD: The Government of Pakistan has completed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) three-year economic reform programme successfully. A huge amount of $6.15 billion was involved in this extended fund facility (EFF) programme. In recognition of Pakistan’s economic performance, the IMF and World Bank awarded Ishaq Dar with the title of Finance Minister of the year 2016 for South Asia.
Indeed, the EFF programme had helped the country restore macroeconomic stability, reduce vulnerabilities and make progress in tackling key structural challenges. This success has been very rare in the history of Pakistan. Most of the earlier programmes were derailed on the way due to violation of the agreed conditions. Besides the achievements of the programme, there is a need to take more difficult measures by the government to put economic development on a sustainable path. Commitment to implement strong policies is still needed and fiscal deficit is to be reduced further. The IMF has highlighted the remaining shortcomings of the economy of Pakistan. It would be good for the government to keep concentrating on them.
Engineer Mansoor Ahmed
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2016.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
