Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had initially agreed to resign from his post; however, he changed his mind later on, sources said on Sunday.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had asked the finance minister to resign because of his absence from Pakistan due to his medical treatment, Geo News quoted a source as saying, further revealing that the PM had made his decision after speaking to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Ishaq Dar agreed that he will resign and there are several witnesses who can vouch for that,” said the source.
He also revealed that Punjab CM robustly reasoned with Dar that he should step aside because his absence from Pakistan wasn’t sending a good message.
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif advised Dar that it was right decision to resign, and that an economics advisory council should be formulated to run affairs related to the economy, said the source.
He added that Nawaz Sharif suggested that till next general elections this economics advisory council, comprising around five members, shall run financial affairs of the country under the guidance of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Once it was decided that Dar will resign over the weekend, the finance minister agreed. However, he backtracked on his promise, stating that his resignation will send a wrong message.
“This happened after names for the economics council were finalised and a way forward was agreed. Dar’s decision to stay on has not gone down well within the circle of senior PML-N leadership,” the source added.
Ishaq Dar has been in London for around a month, where he has attended clinics on Harley Street and has been admitted for treatment.
He has been advised by the doctors to take rest and make return plans to Pakistan upon the completion of his treatment.
The news channel reported that Nawaz is set to reach London early next week for a week and he will hold talks with Ishaq Dar.
It is pertinent to mention here that a corruption reference pertaining to Dar’s owning assets disproportionate to his known sources of income was filed by NAB in light of the Supreme Court’s July 28 judgment in the Panama Papers case. Dar, however, has denied any wrongdoing.
