Facing severe criticism over her handling of government affairs, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan today offered to quit but Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani “tore up” her resignation and asked her to continue in her position.
Addressing Gilani during a televised Cabinet meeting held in Karachi, 41-year-old Awan said: “While endorsing your leadership, I don’t think I can continue as a member of the Cabinet. With your permission, I would like to submit my resignation.”
Awan, who was elected to the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament from Sialkot, broke down as she said she did not wish to carry on working as Minister for Information when her party and Cabinet colleagues were not satisfied with her performance.
She told Gilani: “I believe that under your leadership and in the ownership of the President, we have to move forward.”
Awan, whose announcement left her colleagues surprised, said she will continue to provide her “full support and backing to the party and government.”
Gilani met Awan soon after the Cabinet meeting and assured her that he would address her reservations, officials said.
Awan told reporters that she had informed the Premier about her “reservations and concerns,” including interference by outsiders in her ministry.
“The Prime Minister tore up my resignation and promised he would address all my reservations and concerns,” Awan said.
