Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted on Wednesday in the National Assembly that the judiciary’s assistance is crucial for the federal government in enforcing financial discipline in the country.
Meeting Between IMF and Judiciary
Asif clarified that no one imposed any decision regarding the meeting between the IMF delegation and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), stating that the meeting was held with mutual consensus. “The judiciary could have refused the meeting, but they chose to hold it themselves.”
Importance of Financial Discipline
The Defence Minister emphasized that the government is working to implement financial discipline in the country, which is also a condition set by the IMF. He stated that the judiciary’s role is pivotal in this process, especially given the country’s current difficult situation.
IMF’s Role in Supporting the Judiciary
Asif pointed out that the IMF’s role is limited to seeking the judiciary’s support in the ongoing efforts to implement financial discipline. “This is a compulsion, not a choice,” he added, stressing that the country’s financial discipline is based on the IMF’s program.
IMF Delegation’s Visit to Review Judicial Framework
A day prior, an IMF technical mission team visited Pakistan to review the judicial framework as part of the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The delegation praised ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability.
CJP Briefs IMF Delegation on Judicial Reforms
In a press release, the Supreme Court informed that the CJP briefed the IMF delegation on ongoing efforts to enhance judicial performance. He informed them that the judiciary in Pakistan is independent, and as head of the institution, it is his responsibility to protect its independence.
The CJP also shared that the Supreme Court is finalizing the agenda for the upcoming National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC) meeting, expected to take place in the last week of February.
IMF Acknowledges Judiciary’s Role in Governance
The IMF delegation acknowledged the judiciary’s role in maintaining legal and institutional stability and appreciated ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and accountability.
