US urges Pakistan to implement IMF reforms as economic crisis deepens

The United States has urged Pakistan to take urgent action to implement the necessary reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address the country’s rising economic crisis. Inflation has been a major issue for Pakistan, and discussions between the two parties have been ongoing since January to find a consensus on multiple conditions before signing a deal that includes external financing from friendly nations.

Elizabeth Horst, the State Department official in charge of Pakistan, stressed the importance of Pakistan’s compliance with the IMF’s agreed-upon reforms to ensure the country’s financial stability and avoid falling further into debt. She emphasised that although the reforms may not be easy, they are essential for the growth of Pakistan’s economy.

Horst also expressed the US government’s concern over Pakistan’s economic situation and promised support for the country, particularly in policy, business, and transparency. She pointed out that the trade relationship between the two countries is already worth over nine billion dollars and will continue to increase.

Highlighting the close cooperation between the US and Pakistan in areas such as trade and investment, climate change, and security, Horst revealed that the Pakistan-US Green Alliance has been initiated to further enhance these relations. She emphasised the importance of Pakistan’s sovereignty and that it is free to make its own choices.

The State Department official also emphasised that both countries are working together to ensure regional security, counter-terrorism, and counter-narcotics. She expressed concern over the rising number of terrorist incidents in Pakistan and stressed the importance of continuing cooperation between the two countries to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorists.

Horst concluded by stating that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of both Pakistan and the US. She emphasised the importance of pushing the Taliban to fulfill their promises for peace and stability, as thousands of lives have already been affected by terrorism.