ISLAMABAD: Sources within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday dispelled rumours of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s resignation from the ministry.
Earlier in the morning, rumours had circulated saying that Dar had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Prime minister house spokesperson Musadik Malik later cleared the confusion. He said that Dar had left the country to seek treatment for his ill health, but that he had not handed in any resignation. Instead, as per cabinet rules, the finance ministry portfolio had come under the prime minister’s control till the time Dar returned.
The spokesman also said that the prime minister had taken full control of the portfolio and was managing it efficiently while taking regular briefings pertaining to the responsibility.
A private media outlet had earlier reported a “credible source” as saying that Dar was likely to resign from his position soon. According to the media outlet, the source also said that resignation was not an option for Dar “at this stage”.
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also confirmed that Dar had not resigned from his position and that he would announce his plans of resignation himself if he had any. She added that demanding resignation of Dar was the prerogative of the prime minister.