ISLAMABAD, Oct 4(ABC): Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha Tuesday assured that Pakistan has not breached any of the conditions laid forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the government reduced the price of petroleum products.
Ever since Finance Minister Ishaq Dar slashed the price of petrol last week, speculations regarding the future of the IMF deal have run rife.
Since he was sworn in Dar and his predecessor Miftah Ismail could not go along as both had a difference of opinion on the IMF deal and the phasing out of fuel subsidies.
Addressing the concerns, Pasha clarified that Pakistan had some space, which the government used to provide relief to the masses by slashing the petrol price by Rs12.63 per litre.
“We are still committed to the IMF programme,” she said, adding that the authorities wanted to provide the flood-weary masses with some relief without tampering with the IMF conditions.
She further added that government officials are scheduled to meet the Fund representatives in October where both sides will discuss things in detail.
Shedding light on the rupee-dollar fiasco, the state minister said that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is investigating the issue regarding the banks involved in currency manipulation.
“If any bank is found guilty, action will be taken according to the rules,” she added.