PA resolution asks Asad Umar to resign over 'bankruptcy remarks'

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Sadia Taimoor submitted a resolution to the Punjab Assembly demanding resignation of Finance Minister Asad Umar over ‘irresponsible statement’.

In her resolution, the lawmaker stated the finance minister’s statement about Pakistan nearing bankruptcy owing to debts is a tantamount to enmity with the country.

In a statement on April 3, the finance minister had said Pakistan’s basic debts are so big that they are near bankruptcy.

“Our basic debts are so big that we are near bankruptcy,” Asad Umar said during a special question and answer session on social media on Wednesday.

He blamed the previous PML-N government for the prevailing financial crisis in the country, saying during the last three months of PML-N “we were bleeding 2 billion dollars.”

Addressing a press conference on April 5, the minister had said increase in demand of the dollar jacked up its value against rupee.

“This happens after every four to five years due to current account deficit”, he stated. He said Pakistan was facing current account deficit of $ 19 billion and that government’s top priority was to narrow the current account deficit.