ISLAMABAD: After assuming the top office for the second consecutive time, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued directives to immediately enter negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The newly-elected premier, in his maiden meeting on the economy held within hours after his oath-taking ceremony, issued a set of directives focusing on the revival of the bleeding economy. 

The secretary of finance, present during the meeting being chaired by the prime minister, briefed Shehbaz on the current economic situation of the country, which is passing through one of the most testing times — both politically and economically.

“We were given a mandate to improve the country’s economy […] this is our government’s top priority,” said the premier in the meeting in which he ordered formulating emergency steps for economic revival.

More to follow…