ISLAMABAD - Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik said on Friday that Pakistan and United States were working together for expediting the reimbursement of Coalition Support Fund (CSF).
Lt-Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik called on the Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday at the finance ministry. The secretary briefed the minister on his last visit to Washington DC and the outcome of his meetings with the US officials. He informed the minister that he had very useful interaction with his US counterpart and other officials. He said the reimbursements schedule of the CSF was right on track and both sides were working together to expedite the reimbursements.
The finance minister assured the secretary that during his forthcoming visit to Washington DC in connection with World Bank spring meetings, all issues relating to bilateral cooperation including expeditious reimbursement of CSF will be taken up with US officials. In another development, Country Director World Bank Mr Rachid Benmessaoud accompanied by Mr Haroon Sharif Advisor REC called on Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar Friday at the Finance Ministry to discuss issues relating to WB assistance to Pakistan.
The country director up dated the finance minister about the progress made so far relating to Dasu Hydel Power Project. Planned meetings with the World Bank during forthcoming spring meetings were also finalised.
The finance minister appreciated the role of the World Bank in energy and infrastructure development projects in Pakistan. He said that with the introduction of power sector reforms and economic initiatives, the country was moving in the right direction and would bring prosperity and progress for the people. He appreciated World Bank's commitment and support for Dasu Hydel Power Project.
The meeting was also attended by Advisor to Finance Ministry Rana Assad Amin, Special Assistant to Finance Minister Shahid Mahmood and senior officials of the ministry of finance.