Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin has stated that all issues have been settled with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and an agreement will be signed this week.
While addressing the launch ceremony of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) Tarin said, “We are giving targeted subsidies to control inflation. It is a global problem and prices in the international market are out of my control,” assuring that there will be no delay in the salaries of government employees.
He said that the world economy is recovering and business activities would not only resume but also grow at a much faster pace.
“The worst seems to be over and as economies begin to recover globally, we expect business activity to resume and in fact grow at a much faster pace. Pakistan and Pakistani businesses have to be ready to take advantage of new opportunities,” he added.
According to the advisor, PSW would help accelerate the digital transformation of the public sector agencies connected to international trade.
Moreover, he said that it is a priority of the government to facilitate businesses, including small and medium-sized ones, by providing a suitable enabling environment for growth and innovation.
Talking about the recent cyberattack on the National Bank server, he said that the enemy is ‘sitting in our neighbourhood’.
Earlier, it was reported that an official said the government was considering an increase of petroleum levy by Rs4 per litre. This would depend on its engagements with the IMF for the revival of its programme.
Last month, Saudi Arabia agreed to revive its financial support to Pakistan which includes about three billion dollars in safe deposits.
Tarin was in Washington last month to lead the Pakistani delegation in talks with the IMF for the revival of the 6 billion dollars Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
