Pakistan on Friday could not break its impasse with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tax amnesty scheme and his Rs246 billion relief package. “The 7th review talks will now continue on Monday [March 14],” said Finance Secretary Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh. “Both sides are holding the 7th review of the IMF programme.” According to the original schedule agreed between Pakistan and the IMF, the review talks were planned to be held between March 3 and March 11. Under the IMF conditions, Pakistan can neither give any more tax amnesty scheme nor was it entitled to hand over tax breaks to industrialists. Two days ago, the finance minister had said Pakistan conversed with the IMF about the PM’s relief package only to the extent of what was necessary.

Source: The Express Tribune March 12, 2022 12:40 UTC