Asad Umar's resignation reflects 'cowardice', says Ishaq Dar

LONDON: Former finance minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said that Asad Umar's stepping down as the finance minister of the country reflected "cowardice".

In his statement, Dar accused Umar of misleading the nation since 2014, adding, "Asad Umar remained the finance minister for eight months and laid distorted facts before the nation".

He noted that there was only one month left in presentation of budget, while the agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) was also in its final stages.

"It was not appropriate for Asad Umar to leave the ground this way," the former finance minister said.

He further said his party pointed to Imran Khan's "lies" over the past three weeks.

Asad Umar steps down as finance minister, leaves PM Imran’s cabinet

“This is the most difficult job after the prime minister. There is no doubt that we are moving towards prosperity but tough decisions need to be taken”

"We pointed to the dropping of inflation bomb on the masses. We also gave suggestions to the government as to how could the economy be fixed," Dar recalled.

"They did not listen to anything and today Asad Umar is resigning, which is inappropriate."

Umar announced earlier in the day that he will no longer be part of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s federal cabinet. 

In a tweet, Umar said Khan had offered him the portfolio of energy ministry, instead of finance as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

“As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position. I strongly believe @ImranKhanPTI is the best hope for Pakistan and inshallah will make a naya Pakistan,” he tweeted.

Umar, the former CEO of Engro, was handpicked by PM Khan as the finance minister to improve economic affairs of the country.