Andrew Dalgleish offers ‘all possible’ help to Pakistan for mitigating economic crisis

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Acting British High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish this week praised the measures being undertaken by the incumbent government for economic stability and offered “all possible help” from the United Kingdom in mitigating the country’s socioeconomic crisis.

The envoy called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and discussed the current macroeconomic situation of the world as well as Pakistan.

Dar briefed the envoy on the progress in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and apprised him of the overall economic outlook of the country.

The finance minister also briefed the envoy on pragmatic policies and programmes of the government being undertaken to increase revenue generation and bring economic stability and growth.

The British official commended the practical measures being undertaken by the present government and offered “all possible help” in mitigating the socioeconomic crisis. For his part, the finance minister appreciated Dalgleish for his cooperation and support.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Finance Tariq Bajwa, special secretary of finance, and other senior officers from the Finance Division also attended the meeting.

Pakistan has been facing economic turmoil for the last several months, which has been exacerbated by a worsening foreign exchange reserves situation, a spiralling rupee and record inflation. The government has been in talks with the IMF for the release of an economic bailout to avoid the threat of default.