Sarfraz Bugti resigns as interior minister, expected to contest polls on 'PML-N's ticket'

• Bugti expected to meet PML-N leadership in a few days, say sources.
• Former senator tendered his resignation on December 13.
• Cited personal reasons for stepping down from his position.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has accepted the resignation of Sarfraz Bugti as the interior minister who is planning to contest polls.

Bugti tendered his resignation on December 13, according to the sources. He cited personal reasons for stepping down from his position.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Qadir Yar Tawana confirmed the report on Friday when contacted for the version of the ministry.

Sources close to Bugti said he had decided to resign from the office about two months ago to take part in the upcoming general elections, and that was why he had submitted his resignation before the announcement of the election schedule. 

Sources claimed that the reason behind Sarfaraz Bugti’s resignation was to contest the election on the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N)’s ticket. 

They said he was expected to call on the PML-N leadership in a few days. He is currently associated with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

According to sources, lobbying has started for the new interior minister. Considering the current wave of terrorism in the country, there is a suggestion to appoint a retired general or a former police inspector general as the new interior minister.

Another suggestion is that the prime minister himself should retain the portfolio or assign it to a member of the cabinet.