Struggle to fast-track sustainable economic growth

Notwithstanding Pakistan’s commitment to aggressively implement the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, doubts persist among eminent analysts about whether Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will be able to fulfil his pledges. Among other factors, fears are grounded in historical records of missed targets, instability triggered by current political polarisation, and the fact that the country is facing its worst-ever economic crisis. Addressing the critical issue of getting out of the IMF programme, Mr Aurangzeb says it is “to have a very clear roadmap”. In their initial discussions held in Washington, Pakistani officials advocated for “a new IMF plan tailored more specifically to their country’s needs.” “We have our own views, and we’ll share it with IMF,” Mr Aurangzeb told journalists, adding that “in terms of the size and duration of the programme, I would rather leave it to the joint meetings”.