Pakistan

PTI says not an obstacle to IMF programme

We have reminded global lender of coalition govt’s promise of transparent election via our letter, says Gohar

News Desk February 28, 2024

PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan speaking at a press conference alongside PTI’s former chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan in Islamabad on February 28, 2024. SCREENGRAB

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub Khan on Wednesday reaffirmed his party's commitment to not impede the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, emphasising transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Speaking at a press conference alongside PTI’s former chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan in Islamabad, Khan underscored the importance of fair elections. "There was a condition by the IMF that loan would be provided only if there were transparent elections," he stated, emphasising the necessity for scrutiny in light of alleged rigging during the recent general elections.

"Why should people bear the burden of the excessive expenses of PDM 2 government? These people cannot bring any reform and do not know how to utilise the funds," Khan expressed.

Khan further articulated PTI's stance on fiscal responsibility, stating, "PTI wanted the loans to be used for reforms and not for excessive expenses."

ہمیں پاکستان کی عوام نے تاریخی ووٹ دیا ہے ہم اس دھاندلے کے خلاف ہر پلیٹ فارم پر آواز اٹھائیں گے اور پر امن احتجاج کریں گے ۔ عمر ایوب خان#مینڈیٹ_چور_بےشرم_لوگ pic.twitter.com/F1hYzFIRww
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 28, 2024

Supporting Khan's remarks, Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that PTI had formally communicated its stance to the IMF. "We do not want to be an obstacle in the IMF programme," he affirmed, adding, "We have reminded the IMF of their (coalition government) promise through a letter."

Earlier in the day, PTI asked the IMF to factor in the country's political stability in any further bailout talks, two people familiar with the matter said.

Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan's party has sent a letter to the IMF detailing its position, two senior sources in the party said, adding more details would be made public in due course.

The IMF has yet to receive the letter, the lender said in an email to Reuters.

Analysts say a new government – which Khan's opponents are expected to form – is likely to need more funds from the global lender after the standby arrangement expires in April.

An IMF spokesperson said last week that it was focused on the completion of the standby programme but was available to support the post-election government through a new arrangement to address Pakistan's ongoing challenges if requested.