Dubai: The energy sector reforms are on track, and the Pakistan government will do everything possible to curtail the losses of state-owned companies, its finance minister said.
“The government has chalked out a robust plan. Through structural reforms and by bringing in strategic partners we intend to work hard to convert these state-owned enterprises into profitable entities,” Dar said, adding “some have been speculating as if the government has rolled back its plan to save the bleeding of hundred of billion of rupees, we will do everything possible to bring structural changes in these institutions to make sure that losses are stopped.”
IMF’s Harald Finger, who was also present at the press briefing, said the priority is to further consolidate gains in economic stability and reforms that enable higher private sector growth, that would enable job creation.
“Many structural benchmarks under the review have also been met, although some measures pertaining to energy sector reform and restructuring of loss making enterprises are yet to be implemented,” Finger said.
The IMF also wants to the government to advance on energy sector reforms, enhance competitiveness, continuing to enhance tax net, and improving efficiency of public sector enterprises.
