Islamabad, May 23 (UNI) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has signalled its reluctance in supporting broad tax relief for Pakistan’s salaried, property, beverage, or export sectors unless the government matches such measures with spending cuts or meets a higher revenue target.
This position has emerged as the main theme of the ongoing talks in Islamabad, led by IMF Director for the Middle East and Central Asia, Jihad Azour. The delegation is expected to conclude its visit today (Friday), with budget discussions likely to continue virtually according to The News International.
The only clear exception to the IMF’s austerity stance is defence spending, which Islamabad plans to increase due to regional security concerns.