PM Khan meets International Monetary Fund chief in Dubai
- by Thibaud Popelin
- in Monde
- — Fév 11, 2019
Prime Minister Imran Khan met with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in Dubai on Sunday on the sidelines of the World Government Summit.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government of having already covertly implemented tough conditions of the International Monetary Fund without placing them before parliament and it's now hoodwinking the masses by holding "theatrical meetings" in Dubai.
Slamming Khan for his "lack of understanding about India's secular polity and ethos", Kumar pointed out that "adherents of all faiths choose to live under the democratic polity and the progressive Constitution of India".
"I also highlighted that decisive policies and a strong package of economic reforms would enable Pakistan to restore the resilience of its economy and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth", said Lagarde, calling the meeting "good and constructive".
"Reforms are painful but it is essential if we have to get out of our current problems", Khan told the summit and said his government was making efforts to cut down the fiscal and current account deficit. The Pakistani PM had earlier issued a similar statement saying that he will make sure that in his country minorities are treated as equal citizens "unlike what is happening in India". "Minorities are often turned away from government bodies like their PMEAC, even in naya Pakistan", the ministry added.
This was a reference to the Pakistan government's decision to withdraw the nomination of Atif Mian to the Economic Advisory Council a year ago.
Islamabad also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Khan's visit to the kingdom in October.
The IMF chief acknowledged the steps taken so far by the Pakistani government for stabilising the economy.
In January, Pakistan launched a new investment certificate for overseas citizens, aimed at easing the country's balance of payments crisis.