Next finance minister will have to take 'difficult decisions': Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prominent leader, Asad Umar, who has stepped down as finance minister on Thursday, said that the next person in line for the position will have to take ‘difficult decisions’.

“I have a firm belief that New Pakistan will emerge and [Prime Minister] Imran Khan will lead it,” said Asad Umar, while commencing addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

“PM Khan is making changes for amelioration,” he said.

Umar said, “I had witnessed many ups and downs during my seven years in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and my connection with this political party is not limited for a seat.”

“I am a person, who stays away from power politics; neither I am ending my affiliation with PTI nor saying goodbye to it,”

“I am a person, who stays away from power politics; neither I am ending my affiliation with PTI nor saying goodbye to it,”

“I had come here not to be a part of any conspiracy but to play my role for betterment of Pakistan. Some people say that you are a victim of some conspiracy which I don’t care if it exists,” said Umar.

The former finance minister said that he has been apprised regarding a reshuffle in cabinet yesterday. He announced that the latest reshuffle in the federal cabinet would be taken into effect on Thursday or Friday in light of the decisions taken by the premier.

“Prime Minister wants me to accept a portfolio in the cabinet which I had excused him for not becoming part of cabinet anymore.”

While shedding light on the current situation of the national economy, Umar said, “I had taken many difficult decisions in order to bring economy out of crisis. We are going towards betterment and I have no doubt to say about this.”

“Next finance minister will also have to take many difficult decisions. We will have to give him more time [to show his performance].

“Next finance minister will also have to take many difficult decisions. We will have to give him more time [to show his performance]. I want to request everyone, to kindly support the person who is taking such decisions.”

The former finance minister hinted that the next budget will be designed in line with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. He said, “Pakistan has finalised an agreement with IMF on good conditions which no one else could have do it.”

“Pakistan has finalised an agreement with IMF on good conditions which no one else could have do it. Next budget will be designed in line with IMF programme.”

Asad Umar thanked his supporters and youths who became part of PTI which led the political party to rule in the country. He said, “Youths of PTI truely want to bring positive change in Pakistan. I want to thank them to support PTI and me, with which Imran Khan becomes Prime Minister and Asad Umar became Finance Minister.”

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Asad Umar announced that he is stepping down from his post as finance minister.

ARY News had already reported on Monday that Prime Minister Imran Khan was mulling over reshuffling his cabinet in light of the performance of federal ministers, including Finance Minister Asad Umar.

ARY News had further reported that after removal as the finance minister, Asad Umar could be entrusted the portfolio of petroleum minister.

Last month, Prime Minister Imran Khan had decided to review the performances of all federal ministries and cabinet divisions of the governments on quarterly basis, for which a notice was also sent to all federal secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office.

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

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 18, 2019

In a statement on Twitter on Thursday (today), Asad Umar broke the news by saying, “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 PM Imran Khan is the best hope for Pakistan and inshallah will make a Naya Pakistan,” the former minister added.