The United States expressed its backing for Pakistan’s initiatives to escape the cycle of debt and reliance on international financing, emphasizing the importance of Islamabad’s engagement with global financial bodies for macroeconomic reforms. This stance was articulated by Mathew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, in response to inquiries about a letter from Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Miller highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s economic health for its stability and urged the forthcoming government to focus on the economy, noting the critical nature of upcoming policies for economic steadiness.
The US encourages Pakistan’s collaboration with the IMF and other institutions to foster reforms. Pakistan, grappling with economic challenges following a $3 billion IMF arrangement, faces inflation, currency devaluation, and dwindling reserves. China’s $2 billion loan extension offers temporary relief, but analysts anticipate the new government will seek further IMF support.
According to Reuters, PTI has aired grievances about the recent elections in a letter to the IMF, alleging vote counting and result compilation fraud, a claim the IMF has not yet responded to.
