91.   They also discussed ways of improving the collection of statistics from markets for derivative products.

92.   They said IMF had asked Pakistan to reduce its budget deficit from six to four percent of gross domestic product, cut spending and improve revenue collection.

93.   To qualify for the assistance, Russia had to pledge to pare its budget deficit and contain inflation through spending cuts, tax hikes and improved tax collection.

94.   Leghari also promised tax reform to improve tax collection and Burki said the interim government would restructure financial institutions in an attempt to improve their efficiency.

95.   The economist said the IMF had asked Pakistan to reduce its budget deficit, cut defence spending and improve revenue collection and impose a tax on agriculture income.

96.   The new government plans to make economies by cutting state subsidies, modernising the civil service, improving tax collection and raising energy prices.

97.   The officials also said they were working with the Russians on plans to improve collection and possibly levy new taxes to raise revenues quickly.