The Finance Ministry has dispelled the impression created in a section of the media which claimed that the government will face a gap of up to one trillion rupees in the current year fiscal framework saying that is not based on facts.

A statement issued by the Finance Ministry says that the 2018-19 Fiscal outcomes were due to concerns over slowdown in growth due to three major factors including Monetary and Exchange rate corrections, need for protection of citizens from rising oil prices and expanding social safety nets and escalation on border with India.

The statement further said that reforms agenda being pursued by the government with the support of IMF Extended Fund Facility during first quarter of current fiscal year is so far very encouraging with strong indication that all the targets will be met.

NNR/Khokhar