Daily Times
July 25, 2021
According to a press report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is looking forward to continuing discussions with the Pakistani authorities on the set of policies and reforms that could form the basis for completion of the sixth review under the $6-billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). This was stated by the IMF resident representative, Ms. Teresa Dabán Sanchez in response to a query by an English daily. She further stated that “we welcome the strong and constructive engagement with the Pakistani authorities and we stand ready to continue supporting Pakistan to achieve the objectives of debt sustainability and strong and sustainable growth, through the implementation of the policies, structural reforms and social spending enhancement envisaged in the EFF-supporting program.”
Hafeez Shaikh gets revenue portfolio back
With the decision, the premier ended uncertainty in power corridors as to who would look after the affairs of FBR
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday finally gave the portfolio of revenue to Federal Minister for Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, just a couple of days after elevating him from adviser to the full-fledge minister but clipping his wings by not extending the said portfolio.
With the decision, the premier ended the uncertainty in the power corridors as to who would look after the affairs of Pakistan’s top tax machinery – the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – as Shaikh had apparently enjoyed more powers being an adviser than being the finance minister.
Hafeez Shaikh not given Revenue Division portfolio
It was also for the second time that the prime minister withdrew the Revenue Division portfolio from Shaikh
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Imran Khan has withdrawn the portfolio of Revenue Division from the newly-inducted Federal Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh a move that may have to be eventually reversed for smooth conduct of official business.
The move has clipped the wings of Shaikh for the second time in one-and-a-half years, as earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan had withdrawn the portfolio of the Economic Affairs Division.
It was also for the second time that the prime minister withdrew the Revenue Division portfolio from Shaikh. Earlier, the prime minister had done it in July last year but had to reverse his decision within 24 hours.