ISLAMABAD: As opposed to earlier reports of Miftah Ismail being mulled to replace Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the switch appears unlikely. Despite mounting pressure from political parties and independent economists , the replacement is no longer under consideration by the ruling PML-N.
According to media reports, opposition parties have been trying to persuade the government to replace Dar from his current post as Finance Minister since he is under immense pressure and deep “depression”, owing to which he is unable to give due attention required amidst critical challenges that Pakistan’s economy is facing.
Meanwhile, Senate parliamentary Committee on Finance headed by Salim Mandviwalla has been continuously suggesting to the government to replace DAR owing to grave corruption allegations against him and the deteriorating economic situation of the country.
According to media reports, before Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s returned to the country from the UK on 24 September 2017 along with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Miftah Ismail was under serious consideration as Dar’s replacement. However, upon Dar’s return, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal appears to be actively looking after matters pertaining to finance.
Recently, Iqbal attended the World Bank/IMF annual meeting in DC where he showed due concern over any criticism that was raised over the country’s economic matters.
Media reports confirm that as per concerned officials, the Finance Division is deeply concerned about the overall economic situation being affected by an escalating debt crisis.
