Is it a crime to work for IMF? asks SBP chief

ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Reza Baqir Monday responded to criticism directed at him by the Opposition parties for his previous affiliation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asking, “Is it a crime to work for an international organization?”

Briefing the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance, Reza Baqir said he had worked with the international lender, adding previously several SBP chief had also worked for the IMF and other international institutions.

“Is it a crime to work for an international organization?” he asked.

“I have no other nationality, I am a Pakistani, I do not have permanent residence in any other country.”

He further said that fake news are spread on media and social media on these issues.

Reza Baqir, a former IMF employee, often comes under criticism by the Opposition parties and recently due to strict conditions set by the Washington-based lender for the revival of $6 billion loan programme.

While briefing the senators, Dr Raza Baqir said now the draft has come out and everyone can see that all the powers are with the government.

“It is wrong to give the impression that the IMF is being made the owner of the SBP,” he said, adding earlier fake news was spread that the government has sold the central bank to the IMF.