Asif,
It would have been more appropriate for you to state your doctrinal difference of opinion, instead of trying to attract attention to that difference of opinion by calling Imran a liar merely for its "shock value" as you have admitted.
This is especially true because you were extrapolating and making assumptions on whether the deficit will be met by an IMF loan or not. Even if he does take an IMF loan, it is not inconsistent with his claim to free Pakistan of IMF slavery. The former could be a tactical step, while the later, a long term strategy.
The Prophet (sm) told Muslims that they will visit the Kaaba. But they came back without doing it. At the time it was declared as the intention, it was the intention. When situation on ground changed, the decision was postponed for 1 year. Some opportunist at that time also must have come in to say.. oh this was a lie.... but the it is the leader's decision to see what is most appropriate. Tactically, it made sense for the Prophet (sm) to withdraw without Hajj.. so they did.
We are in a situation where we are heavily reliant external capital injection. It cannot be brought to an abrupt end, just like the prohibition of Wine did not bring its usage to an abrupt end. It was declared that is it bad. Eventually, when people were at a stage to stop using it, it was declared prohibited.
We have declared our intention to free ourselves from debt and IMF. We will get rid of the IMF as soon as possible. We will get rid of all debt-dependence as soon as possible. This does not mean it will be done in 1 budget cycle. This does not mean that in those budget cycles in which we are unable to do that, we will necessarily "beg the IMF", which is again a pure assumption made on your part.
The best course of action was to raise this question to your own friend Akbar, who is both an Austrian and a PTI supporter. The second course of action was to approach Dr. Asad or the Economics team, whom you know personally. The last course of action was to come decrease this debate from an intellectual level and bring it down to politics.... at which point bring it out in the gallery and start calling IK as a liar....
IK is not infallible. But criticize where criticism is due. He has not lied in this matter. Besides... lying in Islam is based on intention... you are forgetting that wonderful verse... "These people say that you are the Prophet of Allah, Allah declares that you are indeed a Prophet of Allah... and Allah discloses that these people are lying...."
Anyways... I'm a great fan of your economic analysis and opinions.... You are true gem of a person... As honest and upright as most Austrians are... So let us maintain that image :-)