Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday that the public would be approached in case the government was unable to seal the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
While inaugurating the Sabzazar Sports Complex, the PM stated that he is hopeful about the agreement with the IMF as the government had fulfilled all the conditions.
In case of delay, he will make an appeal to the people of Pakistan.
The bailout package from the IMF is due this month and would expire on June 30th.
According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan would be successful in reaching an agreement with International Monetary Fund this month, and he is hopeful about receiving the remaining loan, as the government has met all the conditions.
$6.5 billion IMF Program
Out of the $6.5 billion IMF program, $2.6 billion have not yet been disbursed.
The PM stated he had a long conversation with the IMF’s chief and had assured him that the government would fulfill conditions for the loan and provide the necessary details about the budget.
Earlier, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had stated that little could be expected from the Fund beyond the ninth IMF review, which would result in the release of $1.1 billion.
Nonetheless, both the finance minister and the PM are hopeful about the ninth review, which would be received by the end of June.
Government Relief During Inflation
The PM highlighted the initiatives announced in the federal budget to facilitate the common man. He added that amidst the tough economic situation, the government is trying to give relief to the salaried class and has increased the salaries of government employees by 35%.
The minimum wage was also increased by 28% from Rs25,000 to Rs32,000.
Blaming the Previous Government
Shehbaz Sharif blamed the previous government for the present economic crisis and said that the PTI only focused on sending the opposition to prisons.
He added that the fascist regime of the PTI had put development projects on halt. He further criticized the previous government for causing all Chinese projects to be canceled.
He blamed the PTI government for not utilizing the oil price dip opportunity after the pandemic when the prices were recovering after a sharp increase.
Political Stability to Bring Economic Stability
Commenting on the May 9 violent incidents, he heavily criticized the acts of enmity and stated that even the enemies could not accomplish what had been done by the miscreants.
The attack on government facilities caused unprecedented damage in a single day at the instructions of an individual (referring to Imran Khan).
He reminded the public of the vitality of political stability to bring about economic stability in the country and pledged to work hard to restore both.
