WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has said it is closely examining Pakistan’s request for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to address its economic challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing, US Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauret said: “So we understand that Pakistan has formally requested assistance from the International Monetary Fund.”

“In all cases, we examine that closely from all angles of it, including Pakistan’s debt position, in evaluating any type of loan program. This is something that we’ve been tracking fairly closely,” he added.

The spokesperson said the US Secretary of State had spoken about this a few months back. “I think part of the reason that Pakistan found itself in this situation is Chinese debt and the fact that there is debt that governments have incurred that they maybe thought wouldn’t be so tough to bail themselves out of, but has become increasingly tough.”

Yesterday, Federal Minister for Finance Asad Umer called on IMF chief Christine Lagarde to formally request the global body for providing financial assistance to cushion the sinking economy of Pakistan.