The incumbent government is in a dilemma as it has to take tough economic decisions to please the International Monetary Fund (IMF), however at the expense of the public which is already buckling under the inflationary pressure.
Under severe pressure, both from the public and the IMF, the incumbent government’s economic team has sought US support for the revival of the IMF program, the media reported.
Read more: IMF presses Pakistan to remove petroleum subsidies for revival of its programme
According to details, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and Minister of State for Finance Dr. Aisha Pasha met with US Ambassador Donald Blome and sought Washington’s support and acknowledgment of the actions taken so far. Blome was apprised about measures that have been taken to revive the program and bring stability to the economy.
Pertinent to mention, the US is the largest shareholder in the IMF and has in the past too played a role in helping Islamabad complete the fund’s program reviews.
PTI criticizes governmentÂ
Reacting to the news, PTI, while keeping in line with its criticism of the incumbent government, once again lambasted the government.
Former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari linked Finance Minister Miftah Ismail’s meeting with Donald Blome with the US regime change. Pertinent to mention, Shireen Mazari has been extremely vocal about the alleged US conspiracy that toppled the PTI government.
“This is what the US wanted from regime change – kowtowing! By the way, Blome has not presented credentials yet but subservience in action! Earlier, Imported FM stated he wanted to open trade with the fascist Modi regime which has unleashed terror against Kashmiris in IIOJK and against Muslims in India,” Shireen Mazari tweeted.
This is what US wanted from regime change – kowtowing! Btw Blome hasnt presented credentials yet but subservience in action! Earlier, Imported FM stated he wanted to open trade with fascist Modi regime which has unleashed terror against Kashmiris in IIOJK & ag Muslims in India. pic.twitter.com/voJncy1DVq
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) June 17, 2022
Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson on Economy and Finance, Muzzammil Aslam accused the Finance Minister of damaging Pakistan’s macroeconomy. He also did a world play on Miftah Ismail’s name.
“IMFtah met US ambassador after failed to get staff-level agreement. He may travel to meet US treasury people to get help. Question – if you can’t manage why did you waste 10 weeks and damaged the macroeconomy of Pakistan?” Muzzammil Aslam tweeted.
IMFtah met US ambassador after failed to get staff level agreement. He may travel to meet US treasury people to get help. Question- if you can’t manage why you wasted 10 weeks and damaged macroeconomy of Pakistan?
— Muzzammil Aslam (@MuzzammilAslam3) June 17, 2022
Read more: Pakistan economy in long term ICU – Editorial