Pakistan and IMF.

Under attack from the opposition parties and fearing loss of power the PTI announced on February 28 a four-month freeze on petrol and electricity prices to seek public acclaim while passing over the burden to those who were preparing to replace the PTI government. The fuel subsidies announced were unfunded.

Now the PML(N)-led alliance is unwilling to withdraw the fuel subsidies for fear of political repercussions. The PML(N) had severely criticized former prime minister Imran Khan's government for derailing the IMF programme through these subsidies but despite being at the helm, it has not reversed them. The Finance Minister has repeatedly said these subsidies are not feasible and are costing the government. The PML(N) and its allies are unwilling to do away with subsidies as the measure would be highly unpopular. This has given birth to the perception that both Mr Khan and his rivals give priority to the concerns of their respective parties over the interests of the country at large

Pakistan and IMF have again failed to reach staff-level agreement this week. The IMF emphasized the urgency of concrete policy actions, including removing...