Finance Minister Ishaq Dar's participation in the annual meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is uncertain. Sources in the Finance Ministry said that the Finance Minster has not confirmed his participation in the annual meeting and Governor State Bank of Pakistan may be representing the country in the event.
The Annual meeting of the WB and IMF is scheduled from October 13-15 in Washington. Sources on condition of anonymity further stated that government fears his participation may bring a bad name to the country due to corruption charges pending against him. Background interaction with officials revealed that the Finance Minister remains almost inactive since the direction by the Supreme Court (SC) in Panama papers case to file a reference against him for having assets beyond known means of income. Finance Minister Dar who was a frequent visitor to the Prime Minister's Office during the Sharif administration is rarely seen there anymore.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail is considered extremely close to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and is visible in all important economy related meetings - from textile package to energy and development projects. Sources maintained that the government's priority is to expedite development and energy projects in the remaining months of the PML-N tenure.
The prospect of Finance Minister's resignation appears to have diminished despite widespread calls from all major political parties. Former Finance Minister Saleem Mandviwalla, while chairing a meeting of Finance Committee, urged the Finance Minister to step down till he clears his name, as his remaining in office may shame the country as no IFI would like to deal with a finance minister facing such serious charges.
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