Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has come out in support of his party colleague, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, saying that the latter is facing unfair criticism from within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) due to the continuous increase in petrol prices.
“FM Miftah is among the hardest working members of PM’s team, accessible to all stakeholders. He is performing very well under difficult circumstances, with immense criticism from vested interests – including, and unfortunately, from within PML-N. Time to show solidarity with Miftah,” the defence minister said in a tweet.
Earlier, amid speculations that former finance minister Ishaq Dar will take over the finance ministry following his return to Pakistan next month, Miftah had said that he would not mind handing over his role to Dar if the party leadership makes a decision in this regard.
During a television interview with Dawn, Miftah was asked about the rumours circulating that Ishaq Dar would be taking over the finance ministry on his return to Pakistan. He had responded: “I feel nothing about it. Dar sahab can come if he wants to. He is our elder and already a part of the economic team.”
“What is the harm if Dar sahab comes here [finance ministry] as well?” he asked.
