By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Former finance minister Miftah Ismail has criticized the current government, saying that exports cannot increase under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif due to a “mindset problem.”
Ismail acknowledged that while increasing exports is the right goal, the question remains how it can be achieved. He argued that the government appears focused on reassuring the business community by seeking concessions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), rather than taking steps that visibly demonstrate economic growth.
“If incentives are to be given to the wealthy, the IMF is persuaded; but concessions for the poor are not,” he said. Ismail further said Pakistan should focus on reducing its own expenditures rather than asking the IMF for relief.
Miftah emphasized that exports cannot expand under the current administration, calling it a “mindset issue,” and warned that increasing the deficit will only deepen the country’s dependence on the IMF.
