ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has provided reassurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the transparency of the Special Investment Facility Council (SIFC) operations. This comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a new bailout package, with an IMF delegation currently in Pakistan for a two-week visit.
Sources indicate that the IMF has been guaranteed transparency in SIFC operations, with investments to adhere to the Public Investment Management Framework. There will be no preferential treatment, incentives, or assured returns through this platform, ensuring equal investment opportunities for all.
Finance Ministry officials have pledged to maintain an investment environment free from distortion, committing to international standards of transparency in SIFC procedures. Additionally, improvements in the efficiency of the Central Monitoring Unit have been promised to the IMF.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Energy has assured the IMF of its intention to raise the base tariff for electricity, hinting at an upcoming nationwide increase in electricity prices effective from July 1. This adjustment will follow Nepra’s revision of the multi-year tariff.
According to reports, the retail price of electricity is expected to surge by Rs7 per unit, resulting in a notable increase in the minimum national average tariff from Rs29 to Rs36 per unit. While all electricity consumer categories will be affected except lifeline customers, who benefit from subsidized rates, the move reflects efforts to align tariffs with operational costs.
