ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan has not formally asked for a facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the prime minister’s top adviser on economic affairs said on Thursday, contrary to comments by the head of the multilateral agency.

KARACHI (Reuters) – Pakistan needs funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to get its economy back on track after problems were ignored during a transition to civilian rule this year, a former central bank governor said.

DUBAI (Reuters) – Fifteen Afghans may face the death penalty in the United Arab Emirates for smuggling 202 kg (445 lb) of heroin hidden in the fuel tanks of trucks, newspapers reported on Thursday.