Sahibzada Amir Jahangir, who was appointed by Prime Minister Imran Khan as his special assistant on foreign investment, has refused to take charge amid the growing criticism over social media.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was criticised for appointing PM Khan’s decades-old friend on the position. Jahangir was accused of alleged financial fraud in London.
In a series of tweets on Wednesday, Jahangir reasoned that he would not take charge “in view of the fake allegations and media propaganda to malign my character and dignity.”
1/1. I am honoured for PM PAK trust in me as SAPM for Foreign Investments. It is honorary assignment. I would take no salary or benefits. However, in view of fake allegations & media propaganda to malign my character & dignity, it will effect my performance. Continued 2/2
— Sahibzada Jahangir (@ChicoJahangir) October 17, 2018
“To work to attract foreign investments. I cannot permit any controversy and or problems for my prime minister, therefore, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from the assignment. Though in my private capacity I will continue to bring foreign investments to Pakistan,” he added.
Meanwhile, he thanked PM Khan for the “honorary assignment”.
To work to attract foreign investments. I cannot permit any controversy & or problems for my Prime Minister, therefore I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from the assignment. Though in my private capacity I will continue to bring foreign investments to Pak.
— Sahibzada Jahangir (@ChicoJahangir) October 17, 2018
Jahangir was given the assignment a day earlier. “The prime minister has been pleased to appoint with effect from October 11, 2018 Sahibzada Amir Jahangir as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Investment,” said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
Prominent journalists, including Sana Bucha among others, had claimed that Jahangir is known for his bankruptcies in the UK and has been investigated multiple times by the Inland Revenue.
He was the second cabinet nominee having the UK background. Earlier, the prime minister appointed Sayed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari as his special assistant on overseas Pakistanis and human resource development with the status of minister of state. He was reportedly assigned to attract foreign investment for the five-million housing project.
Earlier in September, there were reports that Jahangir was likely to become Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK. However, he had denied the reports in an interview with a private news channel.
