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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s finance minister hits out at IMF for not releasing bailout money despite the country having met all requirements of the programme. Says the lender is ‘behaving abnormally’
Some strong comments from Pakistan’s finance minister in a heated interview with private news channel – said if IMF does not release money, he will make alternative arrangements.
The remarks come as Pakistan is attempting to clear its 9th review in order to secure much needed funds
Pakistan finance minister: “I don’t care, if they (IMF) doesn’t come. I don’t want to plead. I have to deal with Pakistan’s issues. They’re most welcome, we’re dealing with them on weekly basis. Our ninth review is totally in order. Everything is in order.
Read more: Pakistan repays $1bn sukuk, ends immediate default risk challenge: Bloomberg
“I have told them that our 9th review is in order, and according to your (IMF’s) standard practice you should come, do the review, and give Pakistan the money, $500 million. But you can’t dictate. If it (IMF/money) doesn’t come, we’ll manage, no problem.”
When I say he said he’ll make alternative arrangements, I mean he said the govt will “manage” (w/o the IMF visiting/IMF program) “no problem”.
Unsure if he meant manage w/o funds or manage funds from elsewhere. Basically it’ll be alt plan/arrangement to run the economy
