PM House denies rumours of differences between Imran Khan, Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s spokesman on Thursday denied news of differences between the PM and Finance Minister Asad Umar, ARY News reported.

The PM’s spokesman Iftikhar Durrani categorically denied as “baseless”, the news published in a section of media that PM Imran has expressed reservations over Finance Minister Asad Umar’s performance.

The news item published on several news websites quoted sources to claim that PM Imran Khan chaired an informal meeting of some party leaders, where he expressed dissatisfaction over the economic policies of Asad Umar and criticised him for meeting with International Monetary Fund chief “without completing his homework”.

The PM’s spokesman not only termed the news “baseless” but added that Asad Umar is a senior party leader who is well aware of his responsibilities and the country’s economic situation.

“The PM has never expressed his displeasure over Asad Umar’s policies rather Imran Khan fully trusts Asad Umar and his ability to steer the country out of financial crisis,” said the PM’s spokeman.

It is pertinent to note here that Finance Minister Asad Umar met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde on Thursday.

During the meeting, financial assistance was requested from the IMF to help address Pakistan’s economic challenges.

The IMF chief later announced that she would send a mission to Pakistan for bailout negotiations amid emphasis on full disclosure of the debt Pakistan has acquired including from China.