Govt asked to prioritise growth despite IMF loan

Businessmen have cautioned the government that the signing of a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should not be used as an excuse to retard economic growth of the country. “We understand that the country cannot survive without another IMF programme. At the same time, the government should prioritise economic growth, provide employment and reduce inflation,” remarked Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Central Vice President Ahmad Jawad while talking to members of the business community. “If there is an IMF programme, who has stopped you from doubling agricultural output, and increasing traditional and non-traditional exports?” he asked. Jawad stressed that the IMF programme and economic growth could exist together, adding that though there would be definitely some limitations under the programme, those could not be made an excuse for not advancing in different crucial areas.