IMF dismisses Imran Khan’s election audit demand. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has dismissed a request by Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for an election audit, underscoring its singular focus on economic matters as a global financial institution.
In response to a letter from a PTI official on behalf of Khan, dated February 28, regarding the IMF’s involvement with Pakistan under a loan program, a spokesperson for the IMF emphasized the organization’s policy of abstaining from commentary on domestic political issues, citing its narrow mandate on economic affairs.
The IMF spokesperson reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to assisting Pakistan in implementing robust economic policies aimed at enhancing financial stability, addressing longstanding economic challenges, and promoting inclusive growth.
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These efforts encompass initiatives to strengthen public finances, address energy sector viability, enhance governance and anti-corruption measures, reform state-owned enterprises, build climate resilience, and foster an environment conducive to private sector investment and job creation.
Moreover, the spokesperson expressed the IMF’s willingness to collaborate with Pakistan to finalize the second review under the ongoing Stand-By Arrangement and to support the formulation of a new medium-term economic program if requested by the government.
“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.
The IMF’s statement comes in the wake of an announcement by Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF’s Communications Department, regarding the dispatch of an IMF mission to Pakistan subsequent to the formation of a new cabinet.
Notably, PTI had urged the IMF to take into account Pakistan’s political stability in future bailout discussions.
In their letter to the IMF, PTI alleged widespread intervention and fraud during the February 8 general elections, highlighting the imperative of upholding democratic principles.
“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 alleged.
As IMF dismisses Imran Khan‘s election audit demand, meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, newly elected for a second consecutive term, has directed immediate negotiations with the IMF for a new loan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF), signaling Pakistan’s continued engagement with the international lender notwithstanding political tensions.
