The International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined the request made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to audit the February 8 election results, as revealed in a statement on Friday.
The IMF considers the political situation in Pakistan to be an internal matter and emphasizes that its mandate primarily revolves around economic issues.
In response to Imran Khan’s letter, IMF representative Esther Perez in Pakistan reiterated that the organization refrains from commenting on local and political issues. The statement clarified that the IMF received PTI’s letter related to Pakistan’s loan program but stressed that the organization’s engagement with the country is centered around financial stability, sustainable and inclusive growth, and supporting the implementation of robust policies.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI had sent a letter to the IMF on February 28, detailing its position and requesting an audit of 30% of the country’s seats in the general elections. However, the IMF made it clear that it does not engage in commenting on domestic political developments.
“The IMF, as an international institution with a narrow mandate on economic issues, does not comment on domestic political developments,” said an IMF spokesperson in response to Imran Khan’s letter. The institution expressed readiness to engage with the new government for the second review under the current Stand-by Arrangement and support the formulation of a new medium-term economic program if requested.
The PTI’s letter to the IMF emphasized that they were not seeking an investigative role but urged the IMF to consider playing a role in auditing the elections, aligning with proposals from various organizations, including FAFEN.
A day prior to the IMF’s statement, Julie Kozack, IMF Communication Director, mentioned that a team would be sent for the second review of the Stand-by Agreement once the new cabinet is formed. She highlighted that the program supports efforts to stabilize the economy with a focus on protecting vulnerable segments of the population. A total of $1.9 billion had already been disbursed to Pakistan, with the IMF ready to hold a mission for the second review shortly after the formation of the new cabinet.
