Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sharply criticised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for continuing to provide financial support to Pakistan, asserting that the funds are being used to devastate civilian areas in the Union Territory.
Abdullah expressed his frustration over the IMF’s decision in a post on X, urging the international community to reconsider its approach towards Pakistan’s economic assistance.
He wrote, "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."
The J&K Chief Minister’s remarks followed the IMF's recent approval of the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which enabled a disbursement of approximately $1 billion.
The IMF stated that the disbursement reflects "strong programme implementation which has contributed to continuing economic recovery."
India has abstained from the recent IMF vote on the funding to Pakistan, not due to a lack of opposition, but because IMF rules do not permit a formal 'no' vote, sources said. Nonetheless, New Delhi conveyed its objections within the constraints of the IMF’s voting system, highlighting concerns over the potential misuse of funds for "state-sponsored cross-border terrorism."
India’s objections included Pakistan’s military dominance in economic affairs, which it argued undermines transparency, civilian oversight, and sustainable reform. The Indian government also raised concerns about Pakistan’s track record with previous IMF loans, noting that the country has received financial support in 28 of the past 35 years without meaningful or lasting reform.
Earlier in the day, Abdullah offered condolences to Raj Kumar Thappa, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services officer, who was killed when his home in Rajouri was hit by shelling from Pakistan. Several residential areas in Jammu have sustained severe damage from cross-border attacks, including drone strikes and artillery fire, which have heightened fears among local residents.
In a related development, India has intensified its retaliatory strikes against Pakistani positions, targeting four airbases in the early hours of Saturday.
Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), including Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Jaisalmer. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert, actively tracking and engaging aerial threats to prevent further escalation.
The Ministry of Defence has advised citizens, especially those in border areas, to remain indoors and limit unnecessary movement. It has assured the public that the situation is under constant watch, with prompt action being taken wherever necessary to counter aerial incursions and safeguard civilian lives.
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