ISLAMABAD - Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said that no plan-B could be imagined without the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is often the “last option” for a country. Pakistan has recently requested the IMF for a fresh loan programme. Finance minister stressed that apart from the IMF, no plan B could be imagined, with the new staff-level agreement expected in June or July. He informed that discussions will commence upon the arrival of the IMF mission to Pakistan, expected by mid-May. “We hope that if everything goes well and the privatization is agreed upon, the staff-level agreement will be signed at the end of June or the beginning of July,” he added. He explained that the economic situation of the country has improved due to the government’s efforts as the tax collection is increasing and the current account is in surplus, which are signs of progress. He emphasized that despite challenges, the economy are on an upward trajectory, with measures such as the IMF’s nine-month program providing crucial support to the economy. He further said that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are stable. “The country’s foreign exchange reserves have increased and will reach $10 billion by June [this year],” the Finance Minister said while addressing the 7th Leaders in Islamic Business Summit in Islamabad. He further said that foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank are currently around $8 billion, which would enhance to over $9 billion after getting the last tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under stand-by arrangement by the end of this month. He said reserves are in a much better position in comparison to the previous year when the foreign exchange reserves had dropped to $3.4 billion. He said that there is nothing to worry about regarding the registration scheme for traders. Talking about tax cases worth billions pending in tribunals, Finance Minister said the law minister has been asked to look into these matters. “There is Rs1.73 trillion worth of cases awaiting resolution. These tribunals are under the jurisdiction of the administration. We have to solve this matter, not the courts,” he stressed. Regarding…