The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will not release the sixth tranche of its loan during the tenure of the interim government, as the decision will depend on the activities of the next political administration, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said on Sunday.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase at the Secretariat.

The discussion with the IMF regarding the next tranche is ongoing. The information we currently have will be handed over to the next government as a package,” the adviser said. “However, the sixth installment will not come during the interim government. The IMF will make its decision based on the actions of the political government.”

Dr Salehuddin also said the country’s overall economic situation is showing positive signs of progress.

Inflation has eased, though house rents and transport costs have increased. We are trying to bring commodity prices to a tolerable level. Overall, prices are stable, and rice prices remain within a reasonable range,” he noted.

He further said the government is working to import crude oil, while necessary agricultural inputs including fertilizer are being imported. “In today’s meeting, the committee approved the import of 170,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer and 50,000 metric tonnes of rice from different countries,” the adviser added.

Criticising the low tax compliance rate, Dr Salehuddin said, “People in this country are reluctant to pay taxes — revenue collection must be increased.”