Senate Opposition Leader Senator Ishaq Dar on Tuesday announced his resignation from the position.
Dar, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said his resignation letter had been sent to the Senate chairman.
His resignation comes in the wake of reports that he is soon to become the finance minister of Pakistan in Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet.
Senator Dar was appointed leader of the opposition in Senate on March 14, 2012. He has also served as finance and commerce minister in the past. His first tenure as finance minister was under Nawaz Sharif, and he was appointed to the office again for a short stint under former prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in 2008.
Talking to media persons at the Parliament House after submitting nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif for the slot of prime minister, he said it would be a good omen for the country if all political parties supported the PML-N candidate for premiership.
Dar reiterated his party’s stance of taking all political forces on board and stressed for a national charter and vision.
Dar said even Sharif’s nomination papers were being filed for him. “His candidacy has been proposed and seconded by parliamentarians from all provinces,” he added.
He said all political parties had the right to field their candidates for the prime minister’s office.
Dar went on to say it was the need of the hour to evolve a national charter and vision to tackle challenges, including the energy crisis, poverty and inflation among others.
“We are in touch with all political parties while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Jamat-e-Islami (JI) and Aftab Sherpao have already announced their support for the PML-N candidate,” he added.
Dar said they had not sought support from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) since it had already announced to field its own candidate.
Replying to a question, Dar said the previous government had completed its five-year tenure due to a “friendly opposition,” but the PML-N never compromised on national issues.
On the occasion, Khawaja Saad Rafiq said those using the term of “friendly opposition” should show maturity.
