Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal invites predecessor Asad Umar to farewell dinner

In a breath of fresh air, Federal Minister Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal invited his predecessor Asad Umar to a farewell dinner to discuss projects undertaken during the PTI leader’s tenure.

“On assuming charge of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and in line with democratic customs, I would like to invite you for a farewell meeting/dinner on a date and time of your convenience,” said Iqbal in a letter.

The federal minister said that in the meeting he would “like to be briefed on the development initiatives of greater public importance” that the PTI government “had started and which should continue in public interest”.

“I look forward to a positive response from you. My office will coordinate with your personal staff to schedule the proposed farewell dinner/meeting with you at the earliest,” said Iqbal.

PTI leader Asad Umar, who held the same portfolio as Iqbal in former prime minister Imran Khan’s cabinet, is yet to respond to the invitation.

However, the letter has gone viral on microblogging website Twitter and many tweeps have appreciated the move by the incumbent minister.

Here's a look at some of them:

Public policy analyst Mosharraf Zaidi lauded Iqbal for the move, adding that he looks forward to the meeting.

Dr Osama Siddique said that he would be "surprised if Asad Umar reciprocates" the gesture given by Iqbal.

Constitutional historian Maryam S Khan noted that the move was good for Pakistan. 

Khurram Qureshi said one should adopt the attitude PM Shehbaz Sharif and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal did when they are in power. 

Pakistan Business Council welcomed the move and hoped that it was a "prelude to a charter of economy".

Lawyer Umer Gilani believed that the move was a "case study method".