Reducing Corruption by 50% Could Free Pakistan from IMF Dependence: Defence Minister Asif
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed that Pakistan could eliminate its reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by reducing corruption by half. Speaking to industrialists in Sialkot, he highlighted that addressing corruption would enable Pakistan to pursue economic independence and sustainable development.
Asif underscored the challenges posed by the IMF’s conditions over the past year, which had created economic instability. However, he remained optimistic that internal reforms and reduced corruption could stabilize the nation’s finances and reduce external dependencies.
The minister praised recent policy changes, including a 9% reduction in the policy rate, as positive steps toward economic recovery. He also acknowledged the influence of regional factors on Pakistan’s economic challenges but emphasized the need for domestic reforms to drive progress.
Citing the success of Sialkot’s airport project, Asif advocated for public-private partnerships as an effective model for infrastructure and economic development. He urged other regions to adopt similar collaborative approaches to achieve tangible growth.
