Even Punjab governor is averse to IMF deal

Sarwar rejects impression of being sidelined

LAHORE:

It seems that the opposition is not alone in criticising the government’s deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the revival of the $6 billion loan – even someone close to Prime Minister Imran Khan is also averse to the conditions put forward by the global lender.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, who is currently visiting London, is the rare voice of criticism of the government-IMF deal. He told reporters there that IMF had “made us pledge everything” in return for the loan.

Governor Sarwar dispelled the impression that he has been sidelined by the party. He also rejected the rumours as lies, which suggested that the governor had been asked by the party – the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – to resign. “The impression of me being sidelined is not true,” he said.

During his stay in the British capital, the governor met Leader of Britain’s Labour Party Keir Starmer and Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy. According to a statement issued from Governor House, the talks focused on the situation in Afghanistan.

The governor demanded of the British government not only to increase its assistance to Afghanistan but also play a role in providing basic facilities there. It said that the UK opposition leader and the shadow secretary praised Pakistan's role in eradicating terrorism and advancing the Afghan peace process.

Meanwhile, PTI leader in UK Aneel Mussarat also denied any rift between the party and the Punjab governor. “Muhammad Sarwar is an old friend, and he doesn't look angry, he will be with us in the next election too,” Mussarat said.

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)