ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday urged stakeholders for the continuity of present economic policies by capitalizing on the momentum gained through the country’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Pakistan is currently navigating a tricky path to economic recovery under PM Kakar’s caretaker administration in the wake of a $3-billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program, approved in July, that helped avert a sovereign debt default. 

In June, the South Asian country set up the SIFC, which also includes its army chief, with the sole purpose of reviving the frail economy, dented by low foreign exchange reserves, currency depreciation and record inflation.

In the subsequent months, Pakistan signed a number of bilateral agreements with brotherly countries in the Middle East during high-level engagements by PM Kakar and Army Chief General Asim Munir.

On Friday, PM Kakar presided over a meeting of the SIFC apex committee in Islamabad to review various initiatives being steered through the SIFC forum.

“The Prime Minister appreciated the role of SIFC, ministries, departments and affiliated stakeholders in accomplishing the major economic milestones as part of the Interim Government and setting the pace for future endeavors,” PM Kakar’s office said in a statement.

“He also urged the incoming Government for ensuring continuity of economic policies by capitalizing on the positive momentum established by SIFC, in the larger interest of the country.”

The statement comes as Pakistan heads to national elections on February 8, with 17,800 candidates running for 266 national and 593 provincial seats and a total of 128.5 million voters expected to exercise their right to vote in the elections.

During the meeting, officials of various ministries briefed participants about progress on various projects and policy initiatives, and presented recommendations for subsequent endeavors to attract investment.

The committee showed satisfaction on overall progress and appreciated the contribution made for improving macro- and micro-economic conditions of the country, according to the statement.

It also gave approval for reforms in the country’s tax collecting body and different projects.