Responding to a query at OICCI meeting regarding a news report that the government was planing to cut development expenditure by 50 percent and scaling down revenue target to win over IMF, he said that it was in the national interest to stay on course with the reform programme.

"It is in our own national interest to also fulfil our international commitment. We are continuing dialogue with IMF and they are our development partners", he added.

However, he made it clear that the government will not compromise on national interests.

"Our primary concern will remain the same. Do what is in our best national interest to become self reliant to domestic resources mobilization to get back on our growth trajectory", he noted.