IMF Against Tax Incentives for Economic Zones: Planning Minister

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is against tax incentives in new special economic zones (SEZs) but has no problem with incentives for existing zones. The minister further emphasized that Chinese nationals working in Pakistan are considered “national guests,” and ensuring their security remains a top priority. Recent security incidents targeting Chinese workers, he stated, were organized terrorist acts to disrupt Pak-China relations and hinder the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both Pakistan and China are coordinating closely to address these security challenges and planning to implement a mutually beneficial security framework. Ahsan Iqbal urged against unnecessary speculation, affirming that efforts are underway to strengthen protective measures for Chinese citizens in Pakistan.