- Senator Dar says that investigations into the May 9 incidents are ongoing.
- The finance czar says the May 9 attacks were pre-planned.
- Assurance of action against those involved in the May 9 attacks.
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has vowed that those involved in the May 9 attacks will be given “exemplary punishment” as international financial institutions monitor Pakistani politics.
While giving an interview to a private TV channel on Wednesday, the finance minister said that an example should be set so that incidents like May 9 do not happen again.
Angered by the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises, party workers and supporters allegedly looted government and military installations on May 9.
To control the violence, the government called in the army and announced that the protesters would be prosecuted under military law.
A large number of PTI workers and leaders have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown.
Senator Darr said that the investigation into the May 9 incidents was ongoing and it was pre-planned. He added that action will be taken against those involved in the May 9 attacks.
Interestingly, the finance minister’s comment on international financial institutions comes at a time when Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ayesha Ghos Pasha criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for “interfering” in Pakistan’s internal affairs. was made
“Pakistan’s conduct is in accordance with the law,” concluded the minister of state The IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan Nathan Porter’s statement — regarding the political situation in Pakistan — “extraordinary”.
While the IMF does not comment on domestic politics, Porter said the fund hopes to “find a peaceful way forward in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law.”
The two sides are expected to reach a staff-level agreement before the announcement. Federal budget – expected to be unveiled on June 9 – for the financial year 2023-24, the minister of state said the delay was neither good for Pakistan nor the fund.
Dr. Pasha confirmed these reports. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif Contacted IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, she added that the Prime Minister assured the head of the fund that Pakistan would fulfill all its obligations.
On 27 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz contacted Georgieva, requesting him to assist Pakistan in reviving the frozen $6.5 billion facility.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz requested him to intervene to complete the pending ninth review – which would unlock $1.1 billion in financing for the cash-strapped country.
The coalition government has been in talks with the Washington-based lender to revive its bailout program since November, with financing gaps among the biggest hurdles. About $2.7 billion remains in the $6.5 billion program, which is set to expire next month.
In response to a question about Pakistan’s action plan in case it fails to convince the fund before the program expires on June 30, the minister said: “The finance ministry is not sitting blindly, there is always a That’s what happens.Plan B. But our priority is to restore the IMF program.