The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistani authorities to provide additional information about a petrol relief package, which has caused further delays in the signing of a staff-level agreement.
The petroleum ministry’s cross-fuel subsidy proposal was initially rejected by the Fund, which argued that more details are needed to verify its sustainability.
The Ministry of Finance has distanced itself from the plan, which was announced without the IMF review mission’s knowledge, and has advised the Ministry of Petroleum to withdraw the proposal and work with the Ministry of Finance to iron out the policy details before approaching the IMF for the next review.
According to The News, Minister of State for Finance, Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha, has reportedly called the petrol subsidy plan “not workable” and clarified that there is no suggestion of subsidies on petroleum products. The Petroleum Division had suggested cross-subsidies on petroleum products, which is not feasible, she said.
The talks with the IMF are ongoing, with the only remaining issue being the lender’s confirmation of external financing from bilateral countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which is currently underway.
Pasha indicated that financial assistance is expected from bilateral friends soon, which will help finalize the staff-level agreement with the IMF.
