Rana Sana says government engaging IMF on FATA, PATA tax issues

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Friday that the government was engaging with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address tax-related concerns in FATA and PATA and remained open to political dialogue with the opposition.

Speaking to reporters, Rana Sanaullah said the opposition had raised issues related to FATA and PATA with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, after which a delegation held discussions on the prime minister's instructions.

He said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had assured participants that efforts would be made to resolve tax-related issues through consultations with the IMF.

"The tax exemption that is ending is under discussion, and efforts are being made to move it forward by talking to the IMF," he said.

Rana Sanaullah said resolving issues through dialogue was the democratic way forward and reiterated the government's willingness to engage with political opponents.

He recalled that the prime minister had proposed a Pakistan Stability Pact and said the offer remained on the table.

"The prime minister's offer should be accepted and we are ready to talk about everything," he said.

Regarding political dialogue, Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had informed the government that internal consultations were underway within the party.

"The opposition has said that after mutual consultations, it will inform the government," he said.

Rana Sanaullah said the opposition had also supported the role played by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and reiterated the government's offer of political consultations.

Commenting on concerns raised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he said the government would try to address any reservations.

He said Maulana Fazlur Rehman had sought the release of the PTI founder but added that the matter was currently before the courts.

"Maulana demanded his release. We have nothing to do with it; the court will decide," Rana Sanaullah said.

Responding to a question about the PTI founder's health, he said there were competent and highly qualified medical experts available to provide the best possible treatment.