Ishaq Dar seeks US help to revive stalled IMF programme

ISLAMABAD: As the deadline for the ongoing IMF programme looms closer, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar met US Ambassador Donald Blome in a bid to get help to revive a stalled bailout.

During the meeting, the minister informed him about the progress on the ongoing talks with IMF, according to the press statement issued by finance ministry. He assured the ambassador that the government was committed to complete the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Pakistan values deep-rooted historic and durable bilateral relations with the United States on economic and trade fronts, he said while talking to US envoy.

Dar shared the economic policies and priorities of the government to address the challenging economic environment and set the economy on the path to stability and growth.

He informed the US Ambassador about the government’s budgetary measures to reduce the fiscal gap in order to meet its national as well as international financial obligations.

The two sides also exchanged views about areas of common interest and how the existing bilateral relations between the two countries can be enhanced further.

On the occasion, the US Ambassador expressed confidence in the policies and programmes of the government for economic sustainability and the socio-economic uplift of the masses.

He extended his support to further promote bilateral economic, investment and trade relations between both countries.

Dar thanked the US Ambassador and reiterated the desire of the government to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties with the USA.

Earlier, Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) talks have not failed nor the negotiation phase has concluded.

Ishaq Dar, while talking to journalists a few days ago, predicted that the 9th review of the IMF programme will be completed this month. “Our talks with the IMF are underway and it has not concluded yet. We have already made the payment for which Fitch expressed concerns.”

“The Pakistan-IMF talks have not failed and there is no issue in payments till June 30. We are fully prepared to make timely payments till June 30.”

Read: US supports IMF loan program for Pakistan, says Yellen

The finance minister claimed that some elements want to see Pakistan like Sri Lanka before holding talks with the IMF. “Geopolitics is underway to default Pakistan. The amendments in the State Bank Act are intolerable. We have also amended the State Bank Act, however, it is incomplete yet.”