The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern about systemic defects in Pakistan’s governance, highlighting political interference in civil service appointments and asking institutional reforms to stop corruption.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, raised these concerns during a meeting with Pakistan finance minister, Muhammad Aurengzeb in Washington.
The Chief of the IMF pointed out the weaknesses in institutional responsibility and fragmented decision -making processes, which, they warned, create an environment conducive to corruption.
The IMF evaluation follows extensive consultations with the Pakistan departments and includes recommendations aimed at improving governance. Among its key proposals are solid anti -corruption measures and the closest supervision of public procurement systems.
According to reports, the Fund has also linked improvements in the performance and transparency of acquisitions to structural responsibility, emphasizing the need for reforms to guarantee credibility in public sector operations.
In response, Aurengzeb assured Georgieva Pakistan’s commitment to implement the agreed reform agenda. The sources said the minister reiterated the government’s resolution to address IMF as part of its broader economic recovery program.
During his visit to Washington, the Minister of Finance also met with institutional investors and reported them on the economic perspectives of Pakistan and the recent fiscal and monetary developments.
He pointed out that recent reforms in the economy, the energy sector and taxes have helped restore investors’ confidence and paved the way for Pakistan’s re -entry into international financial markets.
