US restarts military training programme

ISLAMABAD: The US state department announced that it has approved a resumption of Pakistan’s participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended.

The resumption, which is subject to approval by Congress. allows Islamabad’s participation in the International Military Education and Training Program. The state department said that the program “provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities.” Local analysts say that the resumption suggests warming of ties between the Pakistani government and the Trump administration.

IMF APPROVES SECOND TRANCHE OF LOAN

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved second tranche worth of $450 million for Pakistan under the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility in a meeting of its executive board in Washington.

The IMF in its board meeting said that Pakistan’s economic reform program is on track while decisive policy implementation by the Pakistani authorities is helping to preserve economic stability in the country. The IMF

said that the authorities remain committed to expanding social safety nets, reducing poverty, and narrowing the gender gap.

In November, adviser to PM on finance, revenue and economic affairs Abdul H Shaikh had said that IMF, after holding successful dialogues, showed agreement to release the second tranche amounting to $450 million loan.