Former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, currently incarcerated, has penned a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging for an audit of at least 30% of the national and provincial assembly seats before engaging in further bailout discussions with the financially-strained country.
The 71-year-old founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had previously announced his intention to request the global financial institution to refrain from providing assistance, alleging electoral manipulation to keep his party out of power.
While the letter's content has not been disclosed, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan, under Khan's direction, clarified that the party does not oppose IMF assistance to Pakistan, provided it is linked to certain conditions aimed at promoting the country's economic well-being.
The letter emphasized the necessity for a duly elected government to negotiate IMF facilities in the best interests of Pakistan's citizens, highlighting the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability in financial agreements between the IMF and member countries.
Referring to the alleged irregularities in the February 8 general elections, the letter urged for a comprehensive examination of the electoral process, citing the involvement of international observers and the need for transparency in the investigation.
PTI called for the IMF's adherence to its principles of good governance and urged for an audit of the election results, suggesting the involvement of indigenous organizations like the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) and PATTAN-Coalition38 for conducting the audit.
The letter concluded with a plea for the IMF to play a constructive role in ensuring transparency and accountability in Pakistan's electoral process, which, it argued, would contribute to the country's long-term prosperity and stability.
While addressing a press conference, PTI officials clarified that the letter pertains to future dealings with a government resulting from fraudulent elections and not the ongoing IMF program. They defended the decision to write to the IMF, citing past assurances of electoral integrity.
The current IMF program, set to conclude in April, is critical for Pakistan's financial stability, with the country seeking a new loan of approximately USD 6 billion to address its balance of payments issues and avoid default on foreign debts.
Reports suggest that the IMF's review mission is expected to visit Islamabad soon to finalize details of the anticipated bailout package, contingent upon the completion of government formation at both federal and provincial levels.
Despite the delay caused by the general elections, the IMF remains a crucial partner in Pakistan's economic recovery efforts, underscoring the importance of transparent governance and electoral integrity in securing international financial support.
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