The grumpy Finance Minister Ishaq Dar got caught in the controversy when he pushed away and tried to hit the reporter, asking him about the failed IMF deal.
The incident happened when Dar left the National Assembly after addressing a session there. In a viral video, a journalist named Shahid Qureshi pressed him to answer regarding the stuck IMF deal and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with the Chief of IMF.
Dar ignored the reporter but eventually lost his cool and pushed the reporter away. Retorting to the journalist, Dar said the deal failed because of people like him in the system.
He then attempted to snatch the journalist’s phone, prompting condemnation from the Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA).
Following the incident, Qureshi released a video detailing his account, alleging that Dar’s security guards had physically assaulted him. The Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) strongly condemned the violence and disrespectful behavior exhibited by Dar’s guards, calling for an apology from the finance minister.
IF AN APOLOGY WAS NOT RECEIVED, the PRA warned of potential protests and a walkout during the budget session. They also urged the National Assembly Speaker to address the matter.
آئی ایم ایف کےسوال پر اسحاق ڈار
کاصحافی پرحملہ۔۔۔
آئی ایم ایف کےسوال پر اسحاق ڈار
"ٹچ کی ناٹ" کیوں بن گئے؟؟🤔🤔🤔#IMF #IshaqDar #economy pic.twitter.com/nR7XCDqBZR— M T (@MusakheyraTasv) June 22, 2023
Read more: Pakistan ‘very hopeful’ of sealing IMF deal in June: Prime Minister Sharif
Dar’s frustration likely stems from the government’s challenges in securing a bailout package, as the IMF has yet to revive the expiring program. Pakistan is facing a significant decline in foreign loan disbursements, posing a threat to its currency reserves. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recently met with the IMF Managing Director during his official visit to France to address the country’s financial difficulties.
Pakistan is grappling with the issue of economic crisis and default risk. Inflation is on a high, with people complaining of little efforts made by the government to provide relief to the citizens.
The IMF deal is hanging in the air, with no signs of Pakistan likely securing it soon.