Minister for Finance Asad Umar on Saturday has said that it is the last time Pakistan is approaching the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package.

While addressing at Pakistan Stock exchange the minister said, "it is the last time Pakistan is seeking a loan from IMF".

Criticizing the role of media, Asad said, “the media is portraying the country’s economy as collapsing but that is not the case. No alarm bells are ringing.” 

"Pakistan is facing $12 billion financing gap this year", he added.

"In the coming months, the US dollar will decrease to 26%-27% against the Pakistani rupee," he added. "The current account deficit, which earlier rose from $2.5 billion to $18 billion, has started to decrease."

"There is astounding growth in the stock market and efforts should continue for better results." Asad Umar also told the measures being taken to improve the conditions of stock exchange.

"The environment for investment and business needs to be improved". He added, "We will also work on improving the capital market."

"Due to low investment,  a high ratio of taxes establishing a business in Pakistan has become very expensive and this situation needs to be addressed before it is too late", he stated.

"The market needs to be regulated but not over-regulated," Asad continued.