Finance Minister Asad Umar won't be replaced, says PM's aide

ISLAMABAD: Special assistant to PM on political affairs Naeemul Haq said on Thursday that none of the government's economic team members, including Finance Minister Asad Umar, would be replaced.

Haq said it was the prime minister's decision that neither the finance minister nor the economic team would be changed.

"The economic hardships inherited [from former government] will be eliminated by our team," he quoted the premier as saying.

Haq said the prime minister was reviewing performance of his cabinet's members. He described reports of a reshuffle in the government's economic team as "opponents' conspiracy."

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Finance refuted reports regarding Asad Umar stepping down from the post of finance minister.

In a statement, the ministry dismissed reports of an altercation between Umar and Adviser to the PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jehangir Tareen.

“Some elements are spreading disinformation to achieve their objectives. There is no truth in them,” it said.“As far as differences are considered, our party holds a discussion on every matter and every minister and adviser shares their point of view after which a final discussion is taken.”

Haq further said the prime minister has accepted Azam Swati's resignation. Swati will be reinstated as minister for science and technology if a verdict was announced in his favour.

No truth in rumours of rift with Asad Umar: Jahangir Tareen

Tareen said that the PTI will fulfill its promises made to the public and a Southern Punjab province will be made

Swati, who is under investigation over alleged misuse of authority, resigned from the post of federal minister for science and technology on Thursday. He submitted his resignation during a meeting with PM Khan.

The Supreme Court has been hearing a case against Swati pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly refused to take action on a complaint filed by Swati's son regarding a fight over purported encroachment with a family at their farmhouse.

In his resignation, Swati said he could not continue working under the present circumstances. "I am upholding my moral responsibility and submitting my resignation," he added.