ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Finance Minister Miftah Ismail to prepare a comprehensive strategy for addressing economic burden faced by the masses, ARY NEWS reported.
During a meeting with the finance minister, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed him to ensure provision of food items on lower prices.
The banking system should also play its role in improving financial well-being of the common man, he directed.
وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے مزید ہدایت کی کہ عوام کو اشیائے خوردونوش کی ارزاں نرخوں پر فراہمی یقینی بنانے کے لئے خصوصی انتظامات کئے جائیں
مزید برآں وزیراعظم نے نظام بینکاری کو عام آدمی کی معاشی فلاح و بہبود کے لیے آسان بنانے پر زور دیا۔ pic.twitter.com/aEjJqQdrrO— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 9, 2022
It is pertinent to mention here that the incumbent government is being under pressure owing to rising inflation ahead of reversal of subsidies on petrol, diesel and electricity before talks with International Monetary Fund (IMF), which would see a further multiplying effect on inflation in the country.
Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has agreed with International Monetary Funds’ (IMF) recommendations to reduce fuel subsidies phase-wise.
Miftah Ismail had held a meeting with the executive directors of the Fund in Washington for the revival of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
Read More: ‘IMF DELAYS MEETING WITH PAKISTAN, SEEKS HIKE IN PETROL, DIESEL PRICES’
Sources say that the finance minister hinted to carry forward the IMF program and agreed to curb subsidies on the fuel and electricity phase-wise. Meanwhile, the IMF said it has no objection to the Income Support Programme and added Pakistan can continue subsidies for the marginalised section of the society.
The IMF has also shown its consent to the continuation of the Sehat Card scheme, the sources said.
