Leader of Pakistan Peoples Party and former petroleum minister, Dr Asim Hussain, has refused to confirm or deny reports of his resignation as the party's Karachi chapter president.
"I have not resigned [from the party]," Asim said while having an informal conversation with journalists at the accountability court Saturday. "I did not tender anything in written."
Asim also answered in the negative when he was asked if resignation was demanded from him.
Reporters then asked how come he is leaving the position, to which he replied, "You should ask them [party leadership]."
The PPP leader told journalists that those who were spreading rumours should be probed and not him.
“I will do whatever Asif Zardari asks me to do,” Asim said.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, in contrast to Asim's statement, said the latter had resigned due to personnel reasons and denied any meeting took place between the two.
Read more: Dr Asim steps down as PPP Karachi division president
A statement issued by Asim's spokesperson on Friday stated that he stepped down as the president of PPP’s Karachi chapter saying he had to travel abroad for surgery. However, Asim had said he would stay affiliated with the party as a worker. In response to the decision, it was reported, the PPP leadership had said Asim would be given new and important positions.
The resignation letter was said to be accepted by PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who said Asim had done a lot for the party despite his health issues. Bilawal had further said Asim would be given new responsibilities once he returns after surgery.
Sources said that Asim had not resigned but was removed from the post primarily because his meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan chief Farooq Sattar.
Asim met with Sattar without taking the PPP leadership into confidence and informed the media about the meeting without informing party, sources added.
The party had also been previously been displeased with him for holding meetings and taking other decisions without taking party leadership into confidence.
