IMF did not discuss Pakistan’s nuclear program in loan program negotiations, IMF representative in Pakistan Easter Perez denied the speculation. But defense analysts say that Prime Minister and Finance Minister had admitted on floor of Assembly that the IMF was making some demands regarding Pakistan’s nuclear program.
In a statement, the IMF representative for Pakistan, Easter Perez, has denied the speculations that Pakistan’s nuclear assets have been discussed for a staff-level agreement.
He has denied imposing any conditions on it. In her response to the contact with the Pakistani media, the representative of the IMF, Esther Prez Lauer, said that in the negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF for the 9th review, regarding the speculations related to the nuclear program of Pakistan. I clearly say that there is no truth in it.
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In her reply, the IMF Representative for Pakistan further clarified that there is no truth in attaching such a thing to any agreement between the IMF and Pakistan, now or in the past.
In his reply, Ester Perez added that the talks with Pakistan are only on economic policy, to solve Pakistan’s economic problems and balance of payments and this is the mandate of the IMF to restore economic stability.
It should be noted that on March 16, 2023, Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, in his speech at the Golden Jubilee Session on the completion of 50 years as the leader of the Senate, said that the current government has not told the nation anything regarding the negotiations with the IMF.
The finance minister had said that this agreement was signed by the previous government with the IMF in 2019. No world power can force Pakistan to take any decision on its strategic assets including nuclear and missile technology. We are fully aware of the importance and responsibility of protecting our national security.
Defense analysts say that if the IMF had not made any demand related to Pakistan’s nuclear assets, then why did the finance minister make such a statement in the Senate in recent days, which raised doubts. The question also arises whether the IMF will now finalize Pakistan’s loan program. Because the government itself is making statements to block the negotiations.