ISLAMABAD: Government of Pakistan will hold talks with a delegation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the meeting expected to focus on imposition of new taxes worth Rs200 billion, among other issues.
A mission of the fund is in Pakistan to review the the performance of the goverent on economic front, in line with the conditions related to loan program. The successful review would pave the way for the release of the third tranche of $450 million under the $6 billion extended fund facility.
The meeting held today is likely to focus on imposition of new taxes worth Rs200 billion. The government is likely to take a .decision regarding the hike in power and gas tariffs to eliminate subsidies for crucial ease of monetary pressure on the budget, the publication stated.
The policy level talks would also determine the revised tax revenue target of the Federal Board of Revenue. The meeting will also take up measures letting regulatory bodies, Nepra and Ogra work independently.
The IMF delegation will also be provided details of loss-making institutions and roadmap for their privatisation. New slabs for the power sector are likely to be introduced as well.
Amid growing concerns over the record inflation and its impact on the masses, the PTI government has told the Fund that the steps taken in this regard would stabilise the food prices in the coming months.
In an earlier meeting, Minister for National Food Security and Research Khusro Bakhtiar told the IMF mission the government was taking all the necessary measures for the management of food inflation.
“A bumper wheat crop is expected this year and there will be no issue of wheat supply in the coming months,” the minister informed them.
Read more: Pakistan to hold talks with IMF for third tranche of $450m tomorrow
