IMF Mission due by month-end

ISLAMABAD: The IMF mission is expected to visit Pakistan by the end of the current month to pave way for striking staff level agreement for $10 to $12 billion bailout. A top official of the Pakistan economic team told The News Saturday night that the mission would be visiting Islamabad by the end of the ongoing month and final dates would be worked out in next few days. The official said differences between the two sides had narrowed down and a consensus on macroeconomic and financial policy framework (MEFP) was expected on the basis of which the conditions and performance criteria would be finalised. It is yet to be seen how both sides would reach an arrangement where Islamabad would be able to deliver on the IMF’s conditions.

A heavy taxation is on the cards, as the IMF desires revenue surplus during the programme period.