IMF Assures Imran Khan of On-Time General Elections in Pakistan

Introduction:

A recent meeting between PTI Chairman Imran Khan and an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation brought assurances that general elections in Pakistan will take place as scheduled. This post delves into the details of the discussion, which revolved around the IMF bail-out deal and the importance of adhering to the election timeline.

Assurances from the IMF Delegation:

Imran Khan was assured by the IMF delegation, including Mission Chief Nathan Porter, that they had designed the loan agreement with Pakistan in a way that would ensure the timely holding of general elections as per the country’s Constitution. They emphasized that the IMF was closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and could not predict the position the IMF Executive Board would adopt regarding the country’s political issues. However, they assured Khan that the viewpoints of the board directors would be considered during the meeting.

Support for the Bailout Deal:

Imran Khan expressed his support for the recently reached staff-level agreement between the IMF and the government of Pakistan. Hammad Azhar, a PTI leader and former finance minister, who attended the meeting virtually, highlighted the discussions around the bailout deal. He stressed the importance of the agreement in preserving macroeconomic stability and anchoring external financing ahead of the national elections. Azhar also emphasized the need for measures to protect the lower-income segments of the population from high inflation.

IMF’s Engagement with Political Parties:

Esther Perez Ruiz, IMF Resident Representative, stated that the meetings with political parties, including the PTI, aimed to seek assurances of their support for the key objectives and policies under the new IMF-supported program, considering the approaching national elections. The engagement with political parties is crucial in garnering support for the bailout deal and ensuring its successful implementation.

Conclusion:

The assurance provided by the IMF delegation to Imran Khan regarding the timely general elections in Pakistan brings a sense of stability and confidence to the political landscape. The support for the recently reached bailout deal between Pakistan and the IMF further reinforces the country’s commitment to economic stability. As the general elections approach, it will be essential to closely monitor the developments and the impact of the IMF-supported program on Pakistan’s economy and political landscape.