IMF has asked Pakistan to cut subsidies, not hike energy prices: Senator Mandviwalla

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not asked Pakistan to hike up energy prices but does want it to withdraw subsidies granted in various sectors, including energy, according to Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. IMF official Esther Perez Ruiz informed Dawn.com that a delegation from the lender will meet Pakistani authorities next week to discuss the “next phase of engagement”. “A mission team led by Nathan Porter, IMF’s mission chief to Pakistan, will meet with authorities next week to discuss the next phase of engagement,” she said. “The aim is to lay the foundation for better governance and stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economic growth that will benefit all Pakistanis,” she added. Last week, the Fund said that a mission was expected to visit Pakistan this month to “discuss the FY25 budget, policies, and reforms under a potential new programme for the welfare of all Pakistanis”.