ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar has issued a clarification that she was misquoted on quitting her job after briefing the Standing Committee of Finance.
“During the briefing of the Standing Committee of Finance, my statement was misconstrued. I said that some people ask me why I accepted this challenge under such difficult circumstances,” she said
“It is an honour for me to have been given the opportunity to serve my country. I will serve my country with all my efforts,” she added
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi also said a statement made by Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar in the standing committee was misinterpreted by some sections of the media forcing her to issue clarification.
The minister while sharing her video message in this regard wrote on his handle on the X (formerly known as Twitter), “The statement by Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Finance Minister of Pakistan. According to her, a light vein comment was blown out of proportion forcing her to clarify.”
In her message, the finance minister said her statement was misinterpreted. She said it was an honour for her to serve the country in difficult circumstances.
The statement by Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Finance Minister of Pakistan.
According to her a light vein comment was blown out of proportion forcing her to clarify. pic.twitter.com/tyIyI5VIrr— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) August 30, 2023
Speaking to the media following a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance Akhtar said that the incumbent government will have to implement the conditions set by the IMF.
Pakistan had approached the global financial institution to discuss proposals for relief in electricity bills. The global lender asked Pakistan to share the plan in writing to provide relief in electricity bills.
Akhtar said that the government had talked to the IMF and assured the lender that it would follow the agreement signed by the previous government.
“We will follow the conditions set by the IMF in agreement with the last government,” said the interim finance minister, adding that the government provided relief in the power sector for a long time.
Addressing a meeting of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance, Akhtar said that the government would speed up the privatisation process.
She added that about 70% of Pakistan’s tax revenue was being spent on debt repayment, highlighting that the government is finding it difficult to meet its expenses.
She said that Pakistan would get assistance from friendly countries with the IMF loan, adding that the incumbent government was focused on the outflow of dollars and internal strengthening.
She assured the government’s resolute in solving the problems of the country by using its all capabilities, asserting that the caretaker setup will sincerely work for the betterment of the common man.
The finance minister added that it was important for Pakistan to get economic stability and eliminate fiscal deficit. She also said that they would give a briefing on economic stability by the end of next week.
