Ahsan Iqbal breaks silence over his Saudi work permit
- By Web Desk -
- Jul 26, 2017
ISLAMABAD: As Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s admitted his employment with UAE-based firm, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has also confirmed holding the Kingdom’s work/residence permit for two years following the pictures of his work permit went viral on social media.
Expressing no regrets in a tweet he admitted of working and staying in Saudi Arabia as what he said: “For anyone who is blessed to live and work in Madinah it is a natural desire to keep Madinah resident status for as long as one can. No regrets.”
For anyone who is blessed 2 live & work in Madinah it is a natural desire to keep Madinah resident status for as long as 1 can. No regrets
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) July 25, 2017
In another tweet, Iqbal asserted that anyone passing out from The Wharton School – from where most of the Fortune 100 CEOs earned MBA degrees – serving his country immediately after MBA does not have to prove anything.
READ ALSO: PM admits employment with UAE-based firm, denies receiving salary
Some1 who chose 2 serve his country immediately after MBA from The Wharton School, passport 2 Fortune 100, doesn’t have to prove anything
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) July 25, 2017
His Iqama [work permit] surfaced a day after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s UAE iqama come to the fore.
In response to a tweet he said: “I worked in Madinah Monawarah 2004-06 afterwards retained Iqama without receiving any compensation for frequent travel hence no illegal act.”
READ ALSO: Khawaja Asif employed with UAE company, claims PTI leader
I worked in Madinah Monawarah 2004-06 afterwards retained iqama without receiving any compensation for frequent travel hence no illegal act.
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) July 25, 2017
On a suggestion that he should cancel his work permit while holding a ministry, Iqbal said that its already expired.
Expired now
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) July 25, 2017
However, the photo circulating on social media shows that he was employed till 2013.
On a question whether does he feel shame for hiding this information, the federal minister said: “Its declared.”
It is declared
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) July 26, 2017
The same permits of PM Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Defence Minister Asif Khawaja have also surfaced on social media, showing their employment with companies in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.