In first IMF meeting, Ishaq Dar briefs lender on economic situation

• Porter says IMF assessing the challenges facing the economy.
• Finance minister briefs lender on economic situation caused by devastating floods.
• Dar assured that govt would take measures to reduce the burden on the economy.

ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief Nathan Porter Thursday expressed global lender's support for Pakistan in its hour of need and in this context mentioned the meeting of the managing director with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During a meeting with the newly appointed Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Porter extended felicitations to the finance minister on assuming the charge and shared IMF’s assessment of the challenges facing the economy.

The IMF official also discussed the support of international lenders for the country to mitigate the effects of flash floods.

Meanwhile, the finance minister briefed the body on the economic situation caused by the devastating floods in the country that affected infrastructure, crops, as well as the livelihood of the people.

The minister stated that the government would take measures to reduce the burden on the economy while protecting the vulnerable sections of the population.

The minister further said that the government aims to address structural issues so that Pakistan is able to end its fiscal deficit and move towards sustainable growth.