IMF refuses PTI’s request to audit Feb 8 election results

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request to audit the February 8 election results.

In a statement, the IMF asserted that it views Pakistan’s politics as an internal matter and lacks the authority to intervene.

This response follows PTI’s disclosure on February 28 of sending a letter to the IMF outlining its stance.

A spokesperson for the IMF clarified that the organization, focusing on economic matters, refrains from commenting on domestic political affairs.

The IMF anticipates collaborating with the new government to finalize the second review under the current Stand-by Arrangement. Additionally, they stand ready to assist in formulating a new medium-term economic program if requested by the government.

It is pertinent to mention that the PTI had asked the IMF to audit 30% of the country’s seats in the general elections and to factor in the country’s political stability in any further bailout talks.

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A day earlier, IMF Communication Director Julie Kozack said that the IMF will send its team for the second review of the Stand-by Agreement as soon as the new cabinet is formed.

“The SBA supported program underpins the authority’s efforts to stabilise the economy with a strong emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable segments of the population,” she said.

Kozack said that a total of $1.9 billion has already been disbursed to Pakistan. However, the IMF would send a team for the second review so the final tranche could be released.

“The IMF stands ready to hold a mission for the second review of the Stand-by shortly after a new cabinet is formed,” Kozack said.

“We look forward to working with the new government on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability,” she added.

However, Kozack refused to comment on a question regarding political instability.