A few more arrests will compel PTI chairman Imran Khan to engage in talks, Mubashir Bukhari said, while referring to senior party leader Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest on Tuesday.
A day earlier, a district and sessions court of the federal capital granted police a two-day physical remand of the PTI leader, following his arrest for threatening the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governors and the Election Commission.
On the statement issued by ex-Punjab CM Parvez Elahi on Fawad’s arrest, he said the two had developed a feud after the latter’s support for Punjab Assembly’s dissolution.
Anchorperson Tanzila Mazhar cast doubts on Imran Khan’s engagement in talks. “While the dissolution of assemblies was demoralising for the PTI chief, Fawad’s arrest has renewed his spirit for protest.
Economic expert Mehtab Haider told Khabar Say Aagay host Murtaza Solangi that Pakistan was now left with just $3.6 billion in reserves. “A default was imminent if we still opted out of the IMF deal,” he added.
In this context, he said, the Fund’s willingness for talks is a good omen. According to Haider, successful talks would result in the lending of $1 billion by March.
“This would help provide a support to the plunging rupee and allow us to receive financial aid from our allies.”
A delegation of IMF will visit Pakistan from January 31 to February 9 as part of the 9th review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), according to an official on Thursday.
The country had entered a $6 billion programme of the global lender in 2019, which was later increased to $7 billion.
The talks could result into the release of the much-awaited $1.18bn, as the country continues to battle a critical financial crisis.
It had been delayed for two months owing to the government’s unwillingness to accept some conditions put forth by the Fund.
Two days ago (Jan 24), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had shown its willingness to the IMF to enter a deal. The statement came as the country continued to battle a financial crisis.
“[The government told IMF that it] wants to complete the programme for the 9th review,” he said at the launch of an agricultural loan scheme for youth, in Islamabad.
“IMF stands with Pakistan,” he quoted the global financial institution as saying. “We will pull the country out of this crisis.”
Flagship Naya Daur show Khabar Say Aagay streams Monday to Saturday at 9pm.
Highlights of the above.
1. Use all means whether morally or legally reprehensible to pressurise your opponent to negotiate. Act like a ‘”bully”.
2. Beg and borrow to service your obligations and commitments.
Great approach PDM. This is the best that can be expected of you.