ISLAMABAD (APP): Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Ghous Pasha on Monday emphasized the pressing need for pension reforms, and underscored the necessity of developing a comprehensive plan of action to address this issue effectively.
PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla chaired Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue meeting during which Federal Budget 2023-24 took centre stage.
Briefing the body, she informed participants that the budget data has been shared with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and negotiations are underway with the State Bank too.
Dr Pasha further stated that the IMF has been requested to expedite the completion of the ninth review. In addition, she mentioned that friendly countries have assured the IMF of providing financial support.
Expressing confidence in the approval of tax exemptions given in the budget for the fiscal year 2023, Dr Pasha noted that discussions with the IMF have been positive thus far.
The minister highlighted that the tax measures introduced in the budget are aimed at increasing production and generating employment opportunities, objectives that align with the IMF’s goals as well.
Meanwhile, talking to journalists outside the parliament today, Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha said the federal government had no intention of freezing foreign currency accounts despite the nation facing a severe dollar crunch.
“We do not plan on freezing foreign currency accounts and there have been no proposals to take such an action,” the state minister said.
The minister said the government had shared the fiscal year 2023-24 budget numbers with the lender, and the IMF is still negotiating with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Pasha said IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva had assured the Pakistani authorities that her organisation would complete the latest review. “All our friendly countries have also given their assurances to the IMF.”
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