Islamabad Pakistan January 23 ANI Pakistan Tehreek-i Insaf PTI-led coalition government and opposition are expected to lock horns next week over the State Bank of Pakistan Amendment Bill 2021 in the Senate.
Imran Khan's PTI government will try to pass a bill to meet the conditions of the International Monetary Fund IMF, amid a clear message from main opposition parties - Pakistan People Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz PML-N -- to block its passage in the Upper House due to their numerical strength. According to Dawn, this will be a test case for the opposition parties' claims.
The IMF board meeting is scheduled for January 28 and will take up Pakistan's request for approval to release USD 1 billion for the country.
It is linked to prior actions such as the passing of the Finance Supplementary Bill 2021 and the State Bank of Pakistan Amendment Bill 2021.
The Finance Supplementary Act 2021 was enacted through the parliament. The official claimed that it will be able to sail through the Senate.
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue will be able to approve the amendments if the SBP bill is approved by the rules. The committee will return its report on amendments to the Senate. The chairman may give a time frame for giving its recommendations, according to Dawn.
PML-N senior vice president and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked the government to allow debate on the SBP amendments before they are implemented.