ISLAMABAD: A heated discussion erupted in the National Assembly during question hour regarding a recent meeting between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) member Noor Alam Khan questioned the purpose and authorization of the meeting. “In what capacity and with whose permission did the IMF delegation meet the chief justice?” he inquired.
Responding to the query, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the meeting likely took place with the approval of relevant authorities. “The IMF delegation must have requested an appointment, and the chief justice granted them time,” he explained.
Asif suggested that the discussion may have been related to financial discipline amid Pakistan’s economic crisis. “Our country is facing financial challenges, and the judiciary should also play a role in economic stability,” he added.
The minister further emphasized Pakistan’s reliance on the IMF, stating, “Our economic survival depends on the IMF. Seeking its assistance was not a choice but a necessity.”
