Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Friday voiced concerns about the potential conditions attached to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package for Pakistan.
In a statement, Ashraf suggested that the government should provide a comprehensive briefing to parliament on the IMF package. He specifically recommended that the finance minister should furnish lawmakers with details on new taxes and approved austerity measures during an in-camera session.
Ashraf emphasized the importance of managing state-owned enterprises, such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), through public-private partnerships rather than resorting to privatization. He strongly opposed the idea of imposing taxes on pensioners, labeling it as unacceptable, and urged the Finance Ministry to seek alternative solutions.
Additionally, Ashraf highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between the federal government and provinces through the full implementation of the 18th Amendment. He also proposed the abolition of unnecessary ministries to alleviate the financial burden on the federation.