Senator Shibli Faraz confirmed the news of finance minister’s removal and the possibility of more changes in coming days
Prime Minister Imran Khan replaced Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh from the office as he was unable to control the inflation. Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar will take additional charge of Finance until a permanent replacement is named.
Senior PTI leader Senator Shibli Faraz confirmed the development after speculation from the media about the axing. “Yes, Hafeez Shaikh has been removed and Hammad Azhar has been given additional charge of finance minister,” the senator said.
Faraz appreciated Sheikh’s hard work and commitment as the finance minister and his role in the betterment of the economy. “Hafeez Shaikh is a gentle and hardworking man. He served as an adviser to the PM with commitment and nationalism. Despite difficulties, he contributed towards and played his role in the improvement of the economy. We commend his efforts,” Faraz tweeted.
More changes by April
Shibli Faraz added that more cabinet changes will take place by April 1. He did not provide further details and said that only the prime minister is aware of the changes that will be made.
“The cabinet will see shake-up before coming Thursday,” he added. “Whatever decisions are being taken, these are solely coming from the prime minister and nobody actually knows about them,” said a senior PTI leader while talking to the media. He expressed his willingness to rejoin the ranks of the government if he was offered a position as well.
As per sources, Murad Saeed, Shehryar Afridi, and Omar Ayub Khan will likely be removed from their respective posts. Farrukh Habib, who has been active in defending the party’s position on television shows, may also be rewarded with a ministry. Fawad Chaudhary may well end up with a new portfolio in the latest changes.