Karachi, The Finance Division of Pakistan has categorically denied recent reports by a private news channel suggesting delays in the release of funds for development projects and salaries of Federal Government employees. The division emphasized that the news item was baseless and lacked verification from official sources.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the spokesperson for the Finance Division clarified that there had been no delay in fund disbursements. The division noted that it was regrettable the news channel did not contact the Finance Division’s spokesperson before airing such news. The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, highlighting the successful completion of the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) of the first review.

The Finance Division provided key fiscal details to counter the claims of the news item. They have already released the funds for the second quarter, covering both current expenditures (including salaries, pensions, and non-ERE) and development expenditures. The Planning and Development & Special Initiatives Division has authorized funds for development expenditure to line ministries, and no changes have been made in the release strategy.

Furthermore, the division has released all second-quarter funds for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), and transfers to beneficiaries are well underway. Funds committed to subsidize the power sector, in line with the Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP) requirements, are also available. Additionally, the release of salaries to the Christian community before Christmas has been ensured by the Finance Division.

The Finance Division also highlighted that revenue collection by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) collection by other ministries are fully on track. These facts, as stated by the Finance Division, demonstrate that the news item in question was aired without evidence and without considering the government’s viewpoint.