WEB DESK
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr Aisha Ghaus-Pasha on Wednesday assured the public said the government will ensure that the rich and privileged sections of the country bear the maximum burden of any increased power tariff.
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) policy-level talks with the Finance Ministry are underway and will conclude on Thursday (Feb 9).
Dr Ghaus-Pasha claimed the burden of IMF conditions would not be put on the country’s layman, rather the rich will be made to share the maximum burden of the increased electricity tariff.
She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given approval to all the decisions in this regard.
She is hopeful that the government and IMF would conclude the deal soon. Islamabad still awaits the Memorandum for Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) draft with only a day left for the talks to conclude.
The multilateral creditor asked Pakistan to cut the development budget and ensure increase in revenue and tax collection target.
Pakistan and the IMF are holding talks for the completion of the 9th program review and its successful culmination can unlock a $1.1 billion loan tranche.
