Policy level discussions are reported to have started between representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the country''s economic team here on Friday on the modalities of an expected new programme. Sources said that the IMF delegation, led by Jaffery Frank, held talks with senior officials of the Finance Ministry and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that would continue for three more days. Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar is likely to join the talks on Sunday or Monday upon his return from Lahore.
They said that the talks would include a broader discussion on fiscal and macro-economic frameworks. An official said that the talks "are on track". He said that any decision regarding requesting the IMF for a new programme would be taken after taking into consideration prior actions needed to be taken.