IMF sidesteps Imran Khan’s election audit demand

NEW YORK: Refraining from addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s request for an audit of the election results as a precondition for approving any new loan for Islamabad, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has signaled its readiness to collaborate with the incoming Pakistani government.

Addressing a press briefing, IMF’s Director Communications Julie Kozack said that on January 11, the lender brought total disbursements under the Standby Arrangement (SBA) to $1.9 billion, adding that the programme is “supporting the authority’s efforts to stabilise the economy and to, of course, with a strong focus on protecting the most vulnerable.”

The official also appreciated the interim setup, saying during the caretaker government’s tenure, the authorities have maintained economic stability. 

“This has been done through strict adherence to fiscal targets while also protecting the social safety net. It has been done by maintaining a tight monetary policy stance to control inflation and to continue to build up foreign exchange reserves,” she said.

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The spokesperson further added that they “look forward to working with the new government on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens.”

When pressed to comment on the former prime minister Imran Khan’s demand for an audit of poll results, she said, “I’m not going to comment on ongoing political developments.”

The IMF’s statement came in response to the PTI founding chairman’s decision to write a letter to the global lender urging it to call for an audit of the February 8 election before it continues talks with Islamabad for a new loan programme.