Pakistan soon to sign agreement with IMF: Asad Umar

PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Asad Umar on Monday said that Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) would soon sign an agreement as the differences have been ironed out, ARY News reported.

Talking at a gathering here the finance minister said the government will try to ensure this deal with the IMF remains Pakistan’s last bailout from the monetary fund.

Referring to tax refunds Umar said the mechanism of refunds has been approved. He said the release of refunds will be started soon. He said the harassment from the FBR would not extend the tax net.

Read More: Ready to support Pakistan, says IMF chief

Deal expected in April

According to Ministry of Finance sources, Pakistan and IMF have agreed over the key features of the bailout deal after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with the IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai.

The agreement is expected to be finalized by April, the ministry’s sources said. The lender is prepared to provide six billion dollars to Pakistan in the bailout, sources further said.

The IMF agreement will be made a part of the next fiscal year’s budget.

The talks between the government officials and the IMF will remain continue this week via a video link.

IMF head Lagarde has expressed the lender’s intention to support Pakistan but said some key steps are essentially to be taken by the country.