The removal of Finance Minister Asad Umar is expected before the finalisation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package, Pakistan Today Editor Arif Nizami said on Monday.
Speaking in his talk show on Channel 92, Nizami said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is unhappy with Asad Umar’s performance as he had failed to come up with an effective strategy to fix the economic issues.
The veteran journalist said that although Umar Ayub and Shaukat Tarin were competent replacements for Asad Umar but keeping in view the financial challenges facing the country he did not think they would opt for the office.
Nizami said that State Minister for Interior Shehryar Afridi was also expected to be replaced by Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah.
“The IMF bailout package is expected to be finalised after the annual budget due to technical issues,” he said, adding that IMF has sought details of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and defense budget.