ISLAMABAD: Despite missing certain IMF benchmarks, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has asserted that the current programme will move forward. He confidently stated the International Monetary Fund will be engaged in good faith during the upcoming review to ensure no surprises arise.
The minister made the statement during a joint news conference at the FBR headquarters on Thursday, where journalists repeatedly questioned him about the tax shortfalls and how he plans to handle it ahead of the IMF review mission due in March under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility for the release of next tranche.
State Minister for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial were also present.
Although the press conference was convened to brief the media on the implementation status of the FBR transformation plan, the finance minister was asked questions about tax shortfalls and their impact on the upcoming IMF review.
