Finance Minister Asad Umar would meet the managing director (MD) International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sunday (today) in Dubai. According to media reports, the minister would have a meeting with the MD IMF; however, Finance Ministry did not confirm the meeting. Ministry of Finance Spokesman Dr Khaqan Najeeb stated, "Constructive dialogue continues between the Pakistan government and IMF focused on all areas including fiscal, energy, structural reforms and monetary policy."

Najeeb further stated that the engagement is through local meetings, phone calls, video conferences and emails. The two sides continue to exchange views on data and a reform framework to move forward. The discussions are part of ongoing interaction between government and IMF and will continue in coming weeks as well. Though Finance Ministry did not confirm such a meeting, sources said that the two sides have inched close by abridging differences on reforms agenda for a new package.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019