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.
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 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]. 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.”
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.”
