Former state minister for finance Omar Ayub Khan, who could not win his seat in the May 11 elections, is likely to be given an important role in the federal government, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Sources in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said the party leadership wants to adjust Omar Ayub, who lost to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Raja Aamer Zaman with a narrow margin, adding that there are chances Nawaz Sharif would appoint him as his adviser.
Sources said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who prepared the federal budget in a short period of time, is still lobbying for the position of foreign minister.
However, the party leadership has confidence in his expertise in finance-related matters and is reluctant to appoint him as foreign minister.
Sources said in case Ishaq Dar, after approval of the budget, leaves his office to take control of the Foreign Ministry, Omar Ayub would be made adviser to PM on finance. If that does not happen, Ayub would be adjusted at the federal level, added sources.
Omar Ayub served in the cabinet of Shaukat Aziz as minister of state for finance and is known for his expertise in economics.
After parting ways with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), he joined the PML-N. However, on May 11, after a close contest, he had to taste defeat at the hands of PTI’s Aamer Zaman from NA-19 Haripur. Ayub received 114,807 votes against Zaman’s 116,979 votes. Sources said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif was content over the number of votes he bagged in elections and wanted to adjust him in an important role.
Omer Ayub to be given role in federal govt: sources
