Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is poised to address the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging a linkage between ongoing discussions with Pakistan and an audit of the recent electoral process. Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi on Thursday, PTI’s Senator Ali Zafar disclosed that the party’s founder would dispatch the letter today.
Zafar elaborated that the IMF, along with the European Union (EU) and other entities, stipulates good governance as a prerequisite for engagement or financial assistance to a country. He underscored that democracy stands as the cornerstone of good governance, emphasizing allegations of electoral fraud during the February 8 polls. According to Zafar, should elections fail to uphold standards of fairness and transparency, international organizations would likely hesitate to extend financial support to the nation. He asserted that Khan’s missive to the IMF would advocate for a conditional dialogue, insisting on an audit of constituencies where irregularities are suspected before formal talks proceed.
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It’s worth noting that in its Staff Report following the First Review under the $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement, the IMF highlighted PTI’s acknowledgment of the crucial role played by free and fair elections in the successful execution of the Fund-backed program.