Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently serving time in jail, has announced his intention to reach out to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging the global financial institution to halt its assistance to financially struggling Pakistan until a comprehensive audit of the contentious elections, marred by allegations of vote rigging, is conducted.
This announcement came through Barrister Ali Zafar, who met Khan at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, where the former cricket star turned politician has been detained since the previous year.
Zafar conveyed Khan's message, emphasizing the necessity for the IMF to scrutinize the electoral process before considering any financial aid. He stressed that extending loans without ensuring transparency in the electoral process could exacerbate Pakistan's economic challenges.
Additionally, Zafar highlighted the IMF's regulations, which prohibit aid to countries lacking democratic governance. He underscored the importance of fair and free elections as a prerequisite for a democratic government.
Addressing concerns about the potential negative impact on Pakistan's fragile economy, Zafar dismissed the notion, stating that safeguarding the country's democratic principles outweighs short-term economic considerations.
Critics, however, lambasted Khan's move, accusing him of undermining Pakistan's interests. Atta Tarar, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), condemned Khan's actions, alleging that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was prioritizing personal gain over national welfare.
This development unfolds amid political turbulence, with the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) forming a coalition government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif due to a hung Parliament resulting from the February 8 general elections.
The PTI has vehemently opposed this power-sharing arrangement, labeling it as an attempt to subvert the democratic process. Accusations of vote rigging and electoral malpractice have further fueled tensions, with Khan's party asserting that the nation will not tolerate such maneuvers.
Meanwhile, the IMF's review mission is anticipated to visit Islamabad soon, contingent upon the completion of government formation at both federal and provincial levels. This visit aims to finalize the terms of a medium-term bailout package to prevent default on foreign debt repayments.
The international community has expressed concerns over the integrity of Pakistan's electoral process, prompting calls for investigations into alleged irregularities and fraud. Against this backdrop, Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have experienced fluctuations, underscoring the importance of restoring stability through transparent governance and economic reforms.
A Finance Division official indicated that IMF review talks would commence following the establishment of a new government at the national level, signaling a pivotal phase in Pakistan's quest for economic stability and political legitimacy.
Read also | Chinese Research Vessel Docks Near Maldives Following One-Month Exploration in Indian Ocean
Read also | Former Pakistani Bureaucrat Recants Election Rigging Accusations, Implicates Imran Khan's Party
