Press24 News
According to Dawn’s report, both the IMF and the Government of Pakistan are still in talks regarding the loan. IMF has placed 7 demands in front of Pakistan. The International Monetary Fund asked the Government of Pakistan to accept these 7 demands only then financial assistance would be started. Among the demands put forth by the IMF, abolition of subsidy on electricity, matching the gas prices to the international market, making the dollar completely free, etc. It is also being said that there has been a demand to cut the budget of the Pakistan Army.
Permission for 75% increase in electricity prices
The Shehbaz government is apprehensive that implementing some of these demands could lead to a steep rise in the prices of essential commodities across the country. Pakistani officials say that taking such a step without the caretaker government would be very disastrous. He said, ‘This will make the government more public target, that too when Pakistan is very close to elections.’ Imran Khan is already maintaining pressure by holding loud rallies. Imran is trying to somehow hold elections as soon as possible so that by taking advantage of public anger, power can be regained.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s electricity regulator has already given permission to Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited to increase electricity prices by 75 percent. Actually, the current Shahbaz government of Pakistan is waiting for the 9th review of the agreement made with the IMF by the previous Imran government. Only after this review, Pakistan will be able to get the next installment of loan which is pending since September. In August 2022, the IMF approved $ 1.1 billion in the seventh and eighth review of Pakistan’s bailout program.
Pakistan Economic Crisis: Pakistan has only two weeks’ expenses left, country plunged into darkness to save electricity
‘Waiting for caretaker government in Pakistan is very disastrous’
Pakistan Economic Crisis: Pakistan has only two weeks’ expenses left, country plunged into darkness to save electricityNow IMF has made it clear that loan will not be given to Pakistan without fulfilling the conditions. The officials are now demanding Shehbaz Sharif to intervene or else it will be too late. An official said, “If Pakistan waits for the caretaker government to negotiate with the IMF, it will be disastrous.” This warning has increased the apprehension that Pakistan will remain in trouble.
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