The International Monetary Fund (IMF) while asking Pakistan to raise taxes, electricity tariff, and cut expenditures has also reiterated that Islamabad should set up an anti-corruption task force. Among other things, he said that IMF has also urged Pakistan to notify the anti-corruption task force, which the government had agreed to in June this year. He recalled that the task force would recommend appropriate structural reform measures that strengthen the independence of anti-graft institutions, prevent political influence and persecution, and provide for transparency and accountability controls against abuse. He added that former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s name was proposed to head the task force but no decision has so far been taken. Meanwhile, the hosts discussed PM Shehbaz’s maiden visit to China starting from November 1, saying Pakistan has requested China to rollover its $6.3 billion debt that is maturing in the next eight months.

Source: The Express Tribune October 31, 2022 01:39 UTC