The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has made significant demands during meetings with Pakistani authorities, calling for the cessation of supplying cheap gas to fertilizer factories and advocating for tax measures to protect various sectors of the economy.
According to sources, the IMF delegation emphasized the need to end the subsidized gas supply to fertilizer plants, highlighting concerns over the impact on Pakistan's fiscal health. Additionally, they urged for measures to document the real estate sector and integrate it into the tax system, aiming to enhance revenue collection and promote transparency in the sector.
Meetings between the IMF delegation and Pakistani officials, including the Energy Minister, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and officials from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), were held in Islamabad to discuss these pressing economic matters.
During these discussions, IMF officials pointed out that commodity prices remain stable in the global market, but expressed concern over the rising inflation rates in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of implementing effective economic policies to address these challenges.
The demands put forth by the IMF signal the urgency of addressing structural issues in Pakistan's economy and implementing reforms to ensure sustainable growth and financial stability. As discussions continue between Pakistani authorities and the IMF, the government faces the task of balancing the need for economic reform with the imperative of safeguarding the interests of various sectors and ensuring the well-being of the population.
