PM Imran Khan approves Asad Umar as chairman Standing Committee on Finance

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved Asad Umar as the chairman for the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, sources revealed to Geo News on Wednesday.

According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan has informed Asad Umar of his decision and issued directives to National Assembly Chief Whip Amir Dogar. 

At present, PTI MNA Faiz Ullah is the chairman of the standing committee. According to rules, Asad Umar will first be made a member of the committee and then appointed chairman. 

During a meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Parliamentary Party, Prime Minister Imran Khan said removing Asad Umar as finance minister was a difficult decision, however, he still considered him his right hand.

On Tuesday, Asad Umar held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan. The meeting was part of efforts to convince the former finance minister to re-join the cabinet.

However, Umar did not agree to rejoin the cabinet, sources informed.

The former CEO of Engro, who was handpicked by PM Khan as the finance minister to improve economic affairs of the country, was told to resign a few weeks back.

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 had tweeted.