In a sharp rebuke to the International Monetary Fund’s recent disbursement of $1 billion to Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the global institution of “reimbursing ordnance” used to shell civilian areas across the Union Territory.
Taking to X, CM Abdullah expressed deep dismay at the IMF’s approval of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) review amidst the ongoing escalation of hostilities between the two nations.
“I’m not sure how the ‘International Community’ thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places,” Abdullah wrote.
Pakistan Shells Civilian Areas in J&K
Abdullah’s remarks come in the wake of deadly shelling in Rajouri, where several homes were damaged and civilians were forced to flee. Tragically, J&K Administrative Services officer Raj Kumar Thappa was killed when his house came under attack. The J-K CM extended his condolences to Thappa’s family and reiterated the urgent need for international accountability.
The cross-border provocation by Pakistan, which targeted 26 locations across India, including parts of Jammu, Uri, Poonch, and Tangdhar, was swiftly met with Indian retaliatory strikes on at least four Pakistani airbases early Saturday morning.
India Registers Dissent at IMF
India, which abstained from the IMF vote on technical grounds—since a formal “no” vote isn’t permitted—formally recorded its strong objections to the decision. Indian officials highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding abuse of global financial assistance, noting:
- Pakistan has been part of 28 IMF programs in 35 years, with 4 in just the last five years.
- The Pakistani military’s influence over economic decisions, particularly via the Special Investment Facilitation Council, undermines reform efforts.
- A 2021 UN report labeled Pakistan’s military-run businesses the largest conglomerate in the country.
India further criticized the IMF for ignoring Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, warning that it undermines global governance norms and damages the credibility of international institutions.
🔗 IMF Statement: “IMF Board approved the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform program under the EFF, enabling a disbursement of ~ $1 billion…”
Drone Threats and Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that armed drones and projectiles from Pakistan were detected at 26 border locations, including Baramulla, Avantipora, Nagrota, Bhuj, and Ferozpur. A civilian area in Ferozpur was struck, injuring a local family.
“The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert… Prompt action is being taken wherever necessary,” read a statement by the MoD.
Authorities have urged citizens in border areas to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and remain alert as intermittent firing continues along the LoC.