Pakistan, IMF conclude dialogues in Dubai; agree to expedite reforms in 13 sectors

DUBAI – The dialogues between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded in Dubai on Friday, reported 92 News. The IMF has expressed satisfaction over overall economic performance. Pakistan decided to start the privatization of Steel Mills and PIA on emergency basis and sought December 2016 as the deadline to privatize the PIA. The IMF has prepared the 8th economic review report, which will be presented in the executive board meeting next month. The 9th installment of the loan will be released after the approval of the report. In September, the IMF Executive Board will approve the US$510 million installment. Speaking on the occasion, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the inflation had reduced by 4.4 percent in Pakistan, which was 4.5 percent in June 2015. He said that they achieved all the targets during the last quarter. “The deficit of ongoing accounts has reduced due to a cut in the oil prices,” he maintained.