The PTI’s attempt to request an independent audit of the election results from the IMF before continuing talks for a new loan with Islamabad met with criticism and backlash from political forces. During a Senate session, legislators labeled the plan as “anti-people” and “anti-Pakistan”. PTI founder Imran Khan, currently in Adiala Jail, confirmed the party’s intention to write to the IMF regarding alleged election rigging, stating that seeking a loan without addressing the issue of rigged elections would only lead to more poverty and instability.
Despite the PTI’s plan, an IMF official expressed interest in working with the incoming government to ensure economic stability and prosperity for all citizens of Pakistan. Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar of the PTI also emphasized the importance of engaging with the IMF to maintain financial discipline, governance, and economic stability for the country’s prosperity.
However, there was criticism from opposition leaders, with PML-N’s Irfan Siddiqui warning that blocking a new IMF loan would harm the people of Pakistan. PPP Senator Shahadat Awan accused the PTI of trying to block an IMF deal in the past, while PML-N’s Ishaq Dar condemned the decision as “anti-national”.
IMF’s Director of Communications, Julie Kozack, stated that the IMF board had approved the first review of the Stand-By Arrangement with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of economic stability and adherence to fiscal targets. She also mentioned the IMF’s willingness to work with the new government on policies for macroeconomic stability and prosperity in Pakistan. US Senator Chris Van Hollen reminded Pakistani authorities to respect the people’s mandate for meaningful deals with lenders like the IMF, emphasizing the need for a strong government backed by the people to tackle Pakistan’s economic and security challenges.