LAHORE - Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin Saturday expressed the hope that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will provide one billion dollars to Pakistan. He also said that inflation would some down in the country. 

He said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will also validate data and statistics on power, gas tariffs and tax collection. Briefing the media persons at Pakistani embassy in Washington DC the minister said, “We are here to finalise our matters with the IMF.  We have told the IMF to validate the data we have shared with them.”

The minister said that Pakistan has reached an agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the details of which will be announced in a couple of days. 

Says our target is to enhance tax to GDP ratio to 20pc in next four to five years

He also said that comprehensive steps are being taken to bring improvement in the economy. He said our target is to enhance tax to GDP ratio to twenty percent in the next four to five years. The Finance Minister said the government’s structural reforms are being appreciated. Shaukat Tarin said that the common man will be provided with relief through targeted subsidy.

Expressing satisfaction over the inflows of remittances, Shaukat Tarin said that 2.7 billion dollars were received during the last month. During the first quarter of current fiscal year, remittances increased by 12.5 percent to reach eight billion dollars.