The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) asserts that the current economic conditions necessitate careful consideration before committing to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. Muzzammil Aslam, the economic authority representing PTI-backed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government, emphasized the critical nature of the new IMF programme, which encompasses all four provinces. Aslam urged for a nationwide dialogue on decisions concerning provinces, echoing the global lender’s demand for comprehensive consultations.
Addressing the media, Aslam cautioned against unilateral actions by the federal government, such as transferring the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to provinces and revising the National Finance Commission (NFC) formula without provincial consent, foreseeing potential national crises. The proposal to raise the petroleum levy to Rs100 per litre and impose an 18 percent sales tax on petrol, coupled with increases in gas and power prices to meet IMF’s fiscal targets, was deemed unprecedented.
Highlighting the potential repercussions, Aslam warned that any alteration to the NFC award distribution would disrupt provincial finances significantly, as they heavily rely on central allocations. He disclosed IMF’s insistence on terminating the public sector development programme (PSDP), which would burden provinces with federally-sponsored projects, exacerbating financial strains.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s economic challenges, Aslam affirmed PTI’s support for a new IMF programme but cautioned against rushing into agreements that could worsen the country’s predicament. He criticized the exclusion of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), citing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to appoint him as the head of the committee.
Expressing concern over delays in the IMF’s Executive Board meeting, Aslam underscored PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s role in facilitating IMF negotiations. Regarding PTI’s letter to the IMF, he clarified that it aimed to address electoral disputes and did not intend to hinder financial assistance.
Condemning Information Minister Atta Tarar’s allegations against PTI regarding the European Union (EU) GSP+ status, Aslam accused Tarar of biased behavior akin to a PML-N media cell representative. PTI Central Secretary Information Raoof Hasan urged the EU to publish its unaltered report on electoral irregularities, emphasizing the importance of upholding democracy and human rights policies in Pakistan.
