IMF’s wish is PTI govt’s command, PML-N claims

–Rupee devaluation evidence of govt’s surrender to IMF’s conditions, says Marriyum

–Ex-PM Abbasi says value of rupee depreciated to lowest point in history

ISLAMABAD: US dollar hit an all-time high of Rs144 in the interbank market on Friday morning, following which Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders lashed out at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for failing to handle the economy.

Addressing a joint press conference, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the latest dollar hike proves that the government has agreed to the conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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

Criticising Finance Minister Asad Umar’s comments during Thursday’s ceremony to mark PTI’s 100-days in power, she said, “Asad Umar lied and deceived the nation yesterday. Overnight the dishonest and fake government has robbed the nation.”

Aurangzeb expressed concern that the latest depreciation of the rupee would lead to an even worse price hike. “Imran-led government should resign over its lies and fraud,” she said.

“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,” the PML-N leader added.

Addressing reporters, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the value of rupee has depreciated to the lowest point in history.

He said that in the previous government’s tenure, the fiscal policies were widely appreciated. “Prime Minister Imran Khan still cannot believe he is in power even after passing of 100 days,” the senior PML-N leader said while criticising the government’s performance. Abbasi said that the value of rupee depreciated after the prime minister’s address on Thursday. He said that nothing was said about the tax evaders, adding that those who do not pay taxes weaken the system.

The PML-N leader spoke about the money laundering allegations, saying that the government has so far failed to provide proof. “The government should adopt the fiscal reforms introduced by Miftah Ismail to stop money laundering and theft,” said Abbasi.

The former premier said that the way inflation has increased recently was not witnessed earlier, adding, “Due to the dollar rate hike, the loans on Pakistan have increased by Rs600 billion.

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said that the prime minister had said that he would end corruption within 90 days.

“Despite the passing of 100 days, the premier has not learnt the rules of business,” he added.