IMF delegation arrives in Pakistan to discuss bailout package

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrived in Pakistan on Monday to hold talks with Pakistani officials on a three-year bailout package for the country.

The IMF delegation will  hold technical level talks with Pakistani officials. During its stay in the capital, the mission will visit various institutions and meet officials of the Finance Ministry, the FBR and State Bank.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh will led Pakistani side during negotiations with the IMF. They will discuss a $6 to $8 billion bailout package for Pakistan.

In a statement earlier, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance had said technical matters of the package would be discussed with the visiting team.

He said that the IMF delegation will meet officials of the ministry, the FBR and State Bank, adding a comprehensive dialogue had been previously held with the IMF recently on economic framework.

Dr Khaqan Najeeb said relevant departments were completing their preparations for talks with the IMF. The discussion on economic reforms and overhauling of energy sector will also be held.

The IMF team will also be briefed on Ehsas Programme initiated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government.

Read Also: PM Imran meets IMF chief to discuss bailout package

Prime Minister Imran Khan had last week met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director Christine Lagarde on the sidelines of the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance, Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were in attendance during the all important meeting between the PM and IMF chief.