ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Over strict terms and conditions posed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Pakistan for a bailout package, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has rejected the draft of a staff-level reached between the Ministry of Finance and the IMF representatives.In this regard, the PM has summoned an important meeting on Monday to examine financial affairs, the tax amnesty scheme and the IMF deal. Several members of the federal cabinet will also attend the meeting.According to sources, the premier seeks soft terms and conditions from the IMF regarding inflation, particularly relaxation in a larger tax rebates and exemptions.Moreover, PM Khan has directed concerned officials to persuade the IMF for a reduced tax collection target.Earlier, the prime minister had held two meetings with Adviser on Finance and Economic Affairs Dr Abdul Hafiz Sheikh, in which the latter briefed the former about the IMF deal.Contrarily, the government has accepted several demands of the IMF, including the increase in electricity and gas prices in the country.According to sources, the premier seeks soft terms and conditions from the IMF regarding inflation, particularly relaxation in a larger tax rebates and exemptions.Moreover, PM Khan has directed concerned officials to persuade the IMF for a reduced tax collection target.Earlier, the prime minister had held two meetings with Adviser on Finance and Economic Affairs Dr Abdul Hafiz Sheikh, in which the latter briefed the former about the IMF deal.Contrarily, the government has accepted several demands of the IMF, including the increase in electricity and gas prices in the country.Finance ministry spokesperson told the media that more time was required [for the bailout], and expressed hope that the situation would be clearer on Monday.It is pertinent to mention that the prime minister had last month asked Asad Umar to resign from the finance minister’s post.Following the ouster of Asad Umar from the federal cabinet, the government appointed Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, a finance expert known for connections in the IMF and other international institutions, as the prime minister’s adviser on finance.Meanwhile, in a recent reshuffle, the government removed the State Bank governor and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman primarily for “failing to produce to the desired results”.On Sunday, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan had said Dr Reza Baqir, an IMF staffer, had resigned from the international money lending institution for serving Pakistan.“We welcome Reza Baqir as Governor State Bank of Pakistan. He has come to support Prime Minister Imran Khan on the economic front,” Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan had said while talking to media in Islamabad. “In Naya Pakistan of Imran Khan, talent is valued.”
