Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa discusses IMF programme with UAE, Saudi authorities…………… …Report ; Asghar Ali Mubarak.. Although Pakistan’s Army Chief has been facing major challenges in flood and defense, national security and other issues for the past several weeks, he was seen trying to restore the country’s economy. He first visited China and then visited Saudi Arabia and UAE. The purpose of these visits is economic recovery. General Bajwa’s military diplomacy is recognized in the world. According to media reports Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has spoken with the authorities of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, media reported.The International Monetary Fund loan programme reportedly came under discussion and positive development is expected for Pakistan soon.According to the report, the army chief reached out to the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on a phone call, sources from both US and Pakistan revealed to the publication’s correspondent Wajahat S Khan, on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.The sources revealed that Gen Bajwa requested the White House and Treasury Department to urge the lender to expedite the bailout process and immediately release the nearly $1.2 billion that Pakistan expects to receive under the resumed loan programme. Pakistan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement over the release of the funds to support the country’s fragile economy. The staff-level agreement will pave the way for the $1.2 billion disbursement, which is expected this month after the board approves it.In a related development, Pakistan has completed the last precondition for the combined seventh and eighth reviews, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday, adding that a board meeting is tentatively scheduled for late August once adequate financing assurances are confirmed.Esther Perez Ruiz, the IMF’s Resident Representative for Pakistan, confirmed the last prior action in a statement sent to the media.
