The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed its concern concerning systemic defects in Pakistan governance, highlighting political interference in public service appointments and calling for institutional reforms to slow down corruption.
According to familiar sources with the question, the director general of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, raised these concerns at a meeting with the Minister of Finance of Pakistan Muhammad in Washington.
The head of the IMF highlighted the weaknesses of institutional responsibility and fragmented decision-making processes, which, she warned, create an environment conducive to corruption.
IMF assessment follows in -depth consultations with the departments of Pakistan and includes recommendations to improve governance. Among its key proposals are robust anti-corruption measures and more strict surveillance of public procurement systems.
The fund would also have linked the improvement of the performance and transparency of purchases to structural responsibility, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure credibility in public sector operations.
In response, Aurangzeb assured Georgieva for Pakistan’s commitment to implement the agreed reform program. Sources have said that the Minister had reiterated the government’s determination to respond to IMF’s concerns in the broader economic recovery program.
During his visit to Washington, the Minister of Finance also met with institutional investors and informed them of the economic prospects of Pakistan and the recent budgetary and monetary developments.
He noted that recent economics, energy and tax sector reforms have helped restore investor confidence and paved the way for Pakistan in the international financial markets.
