IMF delegation tours NEPRA headquarters

ISLAMABAD: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation which is currently in Pakistan for talks to finalise a bailout package toured the headquarters of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday.

The IMF delegation led by Herald Finger is currently meeting NEPRA Chairman Tariq Saddozai, according to sources. The members of the international lender are being briefed on the performance of the country's power sector, including power generation, transmission and distribution, during the meeting, sources added.

Heads of the various departments of NEPRA are also attending the meeting. 

The IMF delegation reached Pakistan on November 6 and technical talks were held between the country and the international lender from November 7-9. During the technical talks, data pertaining to performance of various sectors was presented.

Policy-level talks are under way between the two and will continue till November 20. Pakistan is expected to seek $6 billion from the international lender.

Finance Minister Asad Umar on Wednesday said the government was going to avail the 19th programme from IMF and it will be its last.

"We are going to take 19th IMF programme. This would be the last IMF programme of Pakistan," the finance minister said, while speaking to a private news channel.