WASHINGTON, April 27: Pakistan the other day told the International Monetary Fund that this is going to be the last year that we seek Fund's assistance.

Disclosing this Federal Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Shaukat Aziz told newsmen at a briefing at the embassy that Pakistan had been able to register success, as bulk of its economic programme was homegrown and due to continuity and consistency in its reform policies.

Pakistan, he said has been successful in tiding over "initial backlog handicaps" with IMF's assistance. Asked about the reaction of the IMF, he said it was of "appreciation and full understanding for our economic performance."

The Pakistan delegation, he said, also met the World Bank president, James D. Wolfensohn. "The WB was also appreciative of our economic performance." The World Bank, he said "is keen to help us in water and power sector".

In response to a question, he said Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is yet another project in which the World Bank could help Pakistan. The UAE, he stated was keen to participate in equity. If this gas project goes to India, he said, it would act as a further confidence building measure. -APP