Increase in US Dollar price is proof that govt agreed to IMF’s conditions: Marriyum Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday said that the increase in the US Dollar price is proof that the government has agreed to International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions.

The reaction came after the US Dollar hit an all-time high of Rs142 in the interbank market on Friday morning.

“The government has come to an agreement with IMF and is lying to the nation. The public should be told under which conditions agreement has been made with the monetary watchdog,” Aurangzeb demanded.

Aurangzeb further criticised Finance Minister Asad Umar’s comments regarding the progress of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) during the first 100 days.

She said, “Asad Umar lied and deceived the nation yesterday during the ceremony. Overnight the dishonest and fake government has robbed the nation,” adding that “the increase in Dollar price will eventually lead to a worse price hike”. She further demanded that the Imran Khan-led government should “resign for lying and fraud”.

The PML-N leader added, “It has been proven that running a government and solving problems of the nation is not under their [PTI] control. Time and circumstances are telling us that this ‘chicken and egg’ government cannot run the country.”

Earlier, Asad Umar during his address at the 100-day progress ceremony said that he urged Prime Minister Imran to take a “U-turn” on his statement and visit foreign countries to explore financial opportunities.

Umar had said that economic direction has been set during the first one hundred days of the incumbent government.

“The average deficit was $2bn per month, but efforts were made to reduce it to a slightly over $1bn,” he had said, adding that different steps helped improve the situation of the balance of payments.

The FM said any agreement with IMF [International Monetary Fund] will be made keeping in view the interest of the people of Pakistan. “Unlike the previous governments, we will not hide behind IMF,” he had said.

He had said that the decisions to increase taxes, import duties, and utility rates were targeted only on those segments of society who could afford it. No increase was made for the less privileged.