Another Jolt To Taliban. IMF Blocks Afghanistan's SDR Reserves Over Lack Of Clarity In Govt

<p><strong>Washington:</strong> In yet another global jolt to the Taliban, the International Monetary Fund has blocked Afghanistan's access to IMF resources, including around $440 million in new monetary reserves due to lack of clarity within the international community regarding recognition of a government in the war-torn country.</p> <p>IMF's announcement to cancel Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and other IMF resources of Afghanistan came days after the Taliban forcefully seized control of Kabul.&nbsp;</p> <p>"As is always the case, the IMF is guided by the views of the int'l community. There is currently a lack of clarity within the int'l community regarding recognition of a government in Afghanistan, as a consequence of which the country cannot access SDRs or other IMF resources," IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice tweeted.&nbsp;</p> <p>[tw]https://twitter.com/IMFSpokesperson/status/1428096013374410752[/tw]</p> <p>The decision by IMF is said to be a result of pressure from the United States Treasury, which holds a controlling share in the Fund, to ensure Afghanistan's share of SDRs allocation scheduled for Monday does not fall into Taliban hands.</p> <p>IMF has also said that new Taliban government in Afghanistan will not immediately be allowed loans and other resources from the 190-nation lending organisation, news agency AP reported.&nbsp;</p>