The IMF on Friday rejected a request by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bid to link its economic assistance to cash-strapped Pakistan with an audit by the global lender on the recent general elections in the country.
Last week, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in its letter to the Washington-based IMF, alleged that the February 8 elections were rigged and appealed not to let its aid be appropriated by those “who abused power” for personal gain.
The PTI’s letter, sent out ahead of the new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being swearing in on March 4, urged the IMF to give the poll results a thorough examination before cutting any new deal with Islamabad.
On Friday, the IMF confirmed that it had received the letter sent on Khan’s behalf but gave a cold shoulder to the PTI founder’s demand for an election audit,.
An IMF spokesperson said in a statement: “The IMF, as an international institution with a narrow mandate on economic issues, does not comment on domestic political developments. However, given the importance of the institutional environment for economic stability and growth, we do encourage the fair and peaceful resolution of all electoral disputes.”
The IMF said that its engagement with Pakistan is focused on helping the government implement strong policies to deepen financial stability, address the longstanding economic and underlying balance of payments challenges, and restore sustained and inclusive growth.
