ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani-American businessman claims that Pakistan can pay back the full loan to the IMF if it decides to legalize and put a tax on alcohol, which goes against the Islamic Republic’s values.
The clip in which he made these claims quickly went viral on the social media platform, X, Tarar stated that many people in Pakistan drink alcohol, and if the country taxes that alcohol, it could pay back the loan it owes to the IMF.
However, the claims made by Tarar are most obviously nothing more than exaggeration, as there is not a good chance that alcohol will be legalized in the Islamic Republic, but netizens are having a fun time with the businessman’s remarks.
It is pertinent to mention here that Tarar is the founder of “American Muslims for Trump,” which is an organization with the sole purpose of garnering support for Trump’s campaign amongst American muslims.
Last year, IMF staff and Pakistani authorities agreed on a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth approximately $7 billion. This was the country’s 24th bailout program from the IMF.
Pakistan currently ranks 4th among countries that owe the IMF the most loans, according to data obtained by Upfront.
