KARACHI: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has strongly denied speculations of any condition being attached to Pakistan’s nuclear programme for the revival of $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The rebuttal came after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking in Senate, said Pakistan would not compromise on its nuclear and missile programs for reviving the stalled International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan deal.
“Let me assure you that nobody is going to compromise anything on the nuclear or the missile program of Pakistan — no way,” Dar said during the Senate’s session on Thursday.
Also read: Dar vows ‘no compromise’ on nuclear and missile programs for IMF deal revival
The statement triggered a wave of criticism and speculations, with political leaders and analysts demanding of the government to clarify its position on Pakistan’s nuclear and missile program.
Just two days back, the issue of ‘security of Pakistan’s nuclear program’ was also discussed in the Senate Arms Services Committee of the US. Speaking at that occasion, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) General Michael E. Kurilla has expressed confidence in the command and control structure of Pakistan’s nuclear programme amid fears of political instability and economic meltdown.
Also read: US Senate Arms Committee discusses security of Pakistan’s nuclear program
In a statement, Esther Perez Luiz – IMF representative to Pakistan – categorically denied speculations that the lender has put pressure on Pakistan’s nuclear programme during the talks for the ninth review under IMF-supported programme.
“Our discussions have exclusively focused on economic policies to solve Pakistan’s economic and balance of payments problems, in line with the IMF’s mandate for promoting macroeconomic and financial stability,” the statement added.
