“We cannot comment on domestic political developments,” IMF dismisses Imran Khan's letter

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Shehbaz Sharif government in formulating a new medium-term economic program, dismissing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) call for an audit of election results.

On February 28, Imran Khan sent a letter to the World Bank, urging it to link its collaboration with the new government of Pakistan to an audit of allegations regarding manipulation and irregularities in the February 8 polls.

A spokesperson of the Washington-based money lender confirmed receiving Imran Khan's letter but emphasised that its mandate is limited to the economic affairs.

“The IMF, as an international institution with a narrow mandate on economic issues, does not comment on domestic political developments. However, given the importance of the institutional environment for economic stability and growth, we do encourage the fair and peaceful resolution of all electoral disputes,” the IMF official stated.  

To assist the new government in devising strong policies that strengthen economic stability, the IMF official stated they would work on resolving underlying economic and balance of payment challenges. This, in turn, would promote sustained and inclusive growth for Pakistan's economy.

“This includes stronger public finances, through high-quality revenue measures to broaden the tax base while scaling up the support for the most vulnerable, restoring energy sector viability, improving institutional governance and anti-corruption effectiveness, SOE reform, building climate resilience, and creating a level playing field for private businesses to promote investment and job creation,” said the IMF.

Earlier, the global lender's Communications Department Director Julie Kozack informed in a press briefing in Washington, DC that the Fund is set to dispatch its mission to Pakistan following the formation of a new cabinet.

In its letter to the Fund, PTI raised concerns about alleged  "widespread intervention and fraud in the counting of votes and compilation of results."

"In view of the policies and principles the IMF stands for, there should be no doubt that the abuse of power by a small number of holders of public office to impose their likes and dislikes on Pakistan’s populace as aforesaid, and thus to ensure their continuing personal gain, would not be promoted or upheld by the IMF," PTI maintained.

The incarcerated PTI leader opted to send the letter when Shehbaz government intended to open negotiations with the IMF for a new loan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to buttress the country’s ailing economy.