The Ministry of Finance vehemently refuted recent claims circulating on a private news channel regarding a potential delay in the disbursement of salaries for federal government employees and development projects.

In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry dismissed the rumors as "totally baseless and false," urging the news channel to seek clarification from the Finance Division's spokesperson before airing such reports.

The ministry emphasised that Pakistan remains steadfast in meeting all commitments outlined in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. This commitment was underscored by the successful completion of the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) of the first review.

Officials highlighted key fiscal highlights, asserting that the Finance Division has already released second fiscal quarter funds for both current expenditures (including salaries, pensions, and non-ERE) and development projects.

Contrary to the reported rumors, the Planning, Development, and Special Initiative (PD&SI) Division has duly authorized funds for development expenditures to various line ministries. The Finance Division clarified that there has been no alteration in the release strategy, as wrongly depicted by the news channel.

Addressing specific allocations, the ministry noted that all second fiscal quarter funds for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have been released, with transfers to beneficiaries already in progress.

Additionally, funds committed to subsidizing the power sector by the Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP) requirements have been made available by the Finance Division.

In a move reflective of continuity and inclusivity, the Finance Division assured that salaries for the Christian community will be released before Christmas, upholding a tradition of timely payments.