Existing gaps narrowed: IMF negotiations nearing conclusion, says Asad.

Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were still ongoing but nearing conclusion. "We are still holding discussions with the IMF. Talks are now being held on a regular basis. There were two technical sessions last week in which progress was made on various fronts," the minister said during an informal interaction with journalists after an event in Islamabad. Umar acknowledged that differences still existed between the two negotiating parties but said he was hopeful they would be resolved. "Increased and regular interaction allowed for better communication and greater exchange of data. This...