Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said that the decision regarding the implementation of the new Pay Commission would be taken by the next elected government.
"We can't say much at this stage. Let's see how far the process moves. The next government will likely take it forward, as we've already initiated it," he said
He told reporters after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement and the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs at Secretariat on Sunday.
In response to a question whether the 6th installment of the IMF loan will be available during the tenure of this government, Salehuddin Ahmed said, "We have already agreed we don't need it now. They have completed the review.
They said you (the government) are doing things that we need to see. How much a political government will hold this is an important issue, we will come back after the election in February and well decide.
In response to a question from reporters, the Finance Adviser said, "My final talk with the IMF, I spoke to them on Zoom and they said, they are very happy with our overall economic situation. Okay - whatever you are trying to do, you can achieve it, they said.
He also said, the IMF has some recommendations; such as revenue income should be increased and I have accepted that. There are many reasons for low tax-GDP ratio.
Our people do not want to pay taxes; moreover NBR was closed for two months. We have a big problem because of that. Still, we are trying to overcome it.
Secondly, the IMF has emphasized spending more on social security; especially on health, education, social security and food. The adviser said the government is doing fairly well in food sector.
On a question from reporters whether or not he is optimistic of good results, the adviser said three months are still left for elections to achieve the goal. On a question how he will do he said, "We will consolidate the work we have done before.
We will not finish the reforms; because, it is a continuous process. We will package it well, and after packaging, we will give it to the next government. The next government will do the major reforms."
The finance adviser said, "I have formed a committee on taxes with prominent economists they are independent and expected to give some good recommendations."
The adviser said, "The biggest challenge is the banking sector. Reforms in the banking sector have been roughly started and the rest will be done slowly. We will give these things to the next government.
