Pakistan focusing on steps to uplift marginalised segments

Finance minister voices hope country will successfully complete upcoming IMF review

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan is firmly committed to pursuing an all-inclusive and sustainable economic growth with key focus on bottom-up approach to uplift the marginalised segments of society, said Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin.

In a meeting with the new nominated resident representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Esther Perez Ruiz, on Monday, he emphasised that the government intended to engage development partners to improve economy through fiscal consolidation and prudent measures in the post-Covid era.

He commended the IMF for extending timely assistance during testing times.

The finance minister underlined the key initiatives taken by the government to provide maximum relief for the masses. “The leadership is taking a range of administrative, policy and relief measures to absorb the upward pressure on prices of basic food commodities stemming from the pandemic,” he said.

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“The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to enhance revenue collection and broaden the existing tax base.” The finance minister assured the IMF official that the government was committed to resuming the IMF programme and hoped that the country would successfully complete the upcoming review.

The IMF representative commended the efforts of Pakistan to manage the spread of virus through a series of smart and targeted lockdowns in a bid to strike a balance between lives and livelihoods.

She expressed eagerness to work closely with the government of Pakistan during her tenure.

Meeting with Bakhtiar

Separately, IMF Country Representative for Pakistan Teresa Daban Sanchez made a farewell courtesy call on Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar.

During interaction, both sides exchanged views on the economy of Pakistan in the post-pandemic scenario.

The minister highlighted the government’s endeavours to develop a long-term, sustainable and viable economic plan to address issues pertaining to the fiscal and monetary situation in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2021.

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