Pakistan’s political rift deepens: Imran Khan’s letter to IMF sparks Senate debate
Senators across party lines are engaged in a heated exchange regarding Imran Khan’s correspondence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tying the release of the next bailout package tranche to an ‘audit’ of the February 8 elections, as per Dawn’s report.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Saadia Abbasi voiced concerns in the Upper House of Parliament, expressing regret over involving the global lender in Pakistan’s internal affairs. She emphasized that the IMF‘s role did not extend to investigating domestic matters or imposing its will on Pakistan’s sovereignty. Abbasi, highlighting the opposition’s role as a watchdog on the government, underscored the importance of resolving domestic issues internally to safeguard the country’s interests.
Responding to Abbasi’s remarks, PTI Senator Humayun Mohmand asserted that it was the IMF that had sought a meeting with Khan in June 2023. Mohmand stated that the IMF Board of Governors had conditioned the bailout package on guarantees from Imran Khan. He reiterated that the next tranche would be released to the government with a legitimate mandate, accusing the ruling coalition of seizing power through illegitimate means.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui condemned the invitation of a foreign institution to interfere in Pakistan‘s internal affairs, informing the chair of his submission of an adjournment motion on the matter. In addition, PTI lawmaker Zeeshan Khanzada criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for not allocating reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), which included PTI-backed independent candidates.
PTI Senator Saifullah Abro emphasized the importance of completing the National Assembly before holding the election for the office of
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