Islamabad, February 11 (HS): Pakistan has got a big blow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF has rejected Pakistan’s request for exemption and time in the declaration of assets of government officials. After this, consultation has started in the federal government on the amended Civil Servants Act. It is to be presented before the IMF this month. According to the news of Pakistan’s newspaper The Nation, government sources said that the IMF’s technical team has held meetings with major institutions including the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister’s Office, Finance Ministry and Law Ministry. The team has put pressure on Pakistan to complete benchmarking in accordance with financial conditions.

After the objection of the IMF’s technical team, now under the revised framework, the government officials of the country will have to disclose their assets. In this, details of the source of income and power of attorney of husband, wife and children will have to be given. The IMF has also insisted on public disclosure of these assets. In this, details of the assets kept abroad will also have to be given.

Pakistan has requested the IMF to give it a waiver. The IMF has taken a tough stand and has also demanded the establishment of an authority to monitor and make public the asset declaration of government officials.

The IMF team has been in Pakistan since February 6. Its visit will be completed on February 14. The visit of the IMF technical team has taken place in the context of Pakistan’s seven billion dollar bailout package.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar