Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cease financial support for Pakistan, citing allegations of massive rigging in the 2024 elections.
In this regard, the former prime minister plans to send a formal letter to the global lender today, requesting the IMF not to approve new loans for the country.
Media reports suggest that Pakistani authorities are considering seeking a new loan of at least $6 billion from the IMF to assist the incoming government in repaying substantial debts due this year.
Despite Imran Khan’s demand, the IMF has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the new Pakistani government, dismissing Khan’s call for a halt to financial assistance.
During a press briefing, IMF’s Director of Communications, Julie Kozack, announced that on January 11, the lender disbursed $1.9 billion under the Standby Arrangement (SBA). Kozack highlighted the program’s focus on stabilizing the economy and protecting vulnerable populations.
She praised the interim government for maintaining economic stability through adherence to fiscal targets, a tight monetary policy stance, and efforts to build foreign exchange reserves. Kozack expressed optimism about collaborating with the new government to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all citizens.
When questioned about Imran Khan’s demand for an election audit, Kozack refrained from commenting on ongoing political developments.
On Thursday, Imran Khan’s counsel and PTI senator, Ali Zafar told media in Rawalpindi that Khan will write a letter to the IMF to halt providing loans to Pakistan.
He said that the letter will be issued on Friday (today).
Ali Zafar, emphasized the need for an audit, asserting that good governance is a prerequisite for international organizations like the IMF to provide loans. Zafar stated that the mandate of the people was allegedly stolen during the elections and insisted on an independent audit involving the judiciary.
Zafar warned that if the elections’ transparency is not ensured, securing loans for the country would be challenging, emphasizing the significance of addressing concerns related to the electoral process
