IMF Rejects Pakistan's Plea for Cheaper Condoms, Govt Red-Faced

• IMF rejected Pakistan's request to slash GST on contraceptives, including condoms.
• PM Shehbaz Sharif's government sought relief from the 18% GST on condoms.
• IMF cited bailout conditions, mid-fiscal year, and revenue targets for the rejection.
• Pakistan faces a high population growth rate (2.55%) and inflation, making contraceptives crucial.
• IMF also rejected proposals to cut GST on sanitary pads and baby diapers.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's request for cheaper contraceptives rejected by IMF due to bailout conditions, leaving high population growth unaddressed.