IMF Rejects Khan’s Call For 2024 Election Audit

On Friday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined a request from the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding an election audit before entering discussions for a new bailout package for the country. The spokesperson for the international lender confirmed the receipt of a letter from a PTI official acting on behalf of Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail.

The IMF, as an international institution with a specific focus on economic matters, refrained from commenting on domestic political developments. However, recognizing the significance of the institutional environment for economic stability and growth, the spokesperson encouraged a fair and peaceful resolution of all electoral disputes.

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Emphasizing the primary objective of the IMF’s engagement with Pakistan, the spokesperson highlighted its commitment to assisting the government in implementing policies and addressing economic issues to achieve financial stability. This involves strengthening public finances through high-quality revenue measures, broadening the tax base, supporting the vulnerable population, revitalizing the energy sector, enhancing institutional governance and anti-corruption effectiveness, State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) reform, building climate resilience, and fostering a level playing field for private businesses to stimulate investment and job creation.

The response from the spokesperson followed a statement by the IMF’s Communications Department Director, Julie Kozack, during a press briefing in Washington, DC. Kozack revealed the IMF’s readiness to conduct a mission for the second review of the Stand-by program shortly after the formation of a new cabinet, with the current Stand-by program set to conclude in April 2024. The director expressed anticipation in collaborating with the new government on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability.

On February 28, the PTI founder had written to the IMF, urging them to prioritize the political stability of the South Asian country during negotiations for the new bailout package.