Ex-finance minister Miftah Ismail on Thursday came down hard on Ishaq Dar, accusing him of giving the International Monetary Fund a 'cold shoulder' at a time when Pakistan was battling a financial crisis.
"All the experts knew this approach was bound to fail and we have seen its result,” Ismail said during an interview with Geo News.
On his differences with Ishaq Dar, he said he had the right to defend himself. "I felt it was necessary to respond to comments on my competence and policies. My party has not taken any action against me."
Speaking about the current economic crisis, Ismail opined that Dar underestimated the role of the IMF, which, according to him, hurt Pakistan's cause.
Dar sahib, he added, had thought he would fix the economy without the IMF or by scaring the financial institution into accepting Pakistan's demands and he was openly opposed their conditions.
He, however, termed it encouraging that the government had now approached the lender, which could pave the way for the betterment in the economic conditions.
Ismail also said he was 'unaware of the circumstances' that led to his replacement. "But, I knew for a long time that Dar wanted to make a return as he was appearing on TV and targeting me within the party."
Simultaneously, he admitted that the premier had the prerogative to remove him as he had appointed him. "I do not see anything unusual here."
Read further: ‘I Meant The PTI Finance Ministers’: Suleman Shehbaz Explains His ‘Joker’ Tweet
He recalled that the country was on an "unacceptably high" level of a default when ex-PM Imran Khan allegedly violated the agreement with the IMF.
The PML-N leader claimed that the government took measures to minimise the risk during his tenure.
'No role in electoral politics'
Ismail made it clear that he won't be participating in electoral politics. "I won't be contesting elections as the interest of the country is more important than my own political career."
'Forum of thinkers'
To a question about a forum he and other leaders were planning to form prior to the polls, he confirmed that he has been discussing the idea with his fellows politicians, including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar.
To another question on engaging the PTI's members, he said he had spoken to them and they would be brought to the said forum.
Earlier this month, the PML-N leader accused Ishaq Dar of orchestrating a campaign to prevent him from continuing to hold the finance portfolio.
According to Ismail, Dar opted for a campaign spanning over six months as he could not tolerate anyone else from the party serving the position.
"All the experts knew this approach was bound to fail and we have seen its result,” Ismail said during an interview with Geo News.
On his differences with Ishaq Dar, he said he had the right to defend himself. "I felt it was necessary to respond to comments on my competence and policies. My party has not taken any action against me."
Speaking about the current economic crisis, Ismail opined that Dar underestimated the role of the IMF, which, according to him, hurt Pakistan's cause.
Dar sahib, he added, had thought he would fix the economy without the IMF or by scaring the financial institution into accepting Pakistan's demands and he was openly opposed their conditions.
According to him, the finance minister "made an attempt" and as a result, Pakistan suffered a big loss."
He, however, termed it encouraging that the government had now approached the lender, which could pave the way for the betterment in the economic conditions.
Ismail also said he was 'unaware of the circumstances' that led to his replacement. "But, I knew for a long time that Dar wanted to make a return as he was appearing on TV and targeting me within the party."
Simultaneously, he admitted that the premier had the prerogative to remove him as he had appointed him. "I do not see anything unusual here."
Read further: ‘I Meant The PTI Finance Ministers’: Suleman Shehbaz Explains His ‘Joker’ Tweet
He recalled that the country was on an "unacceptably high" level of a default when ex-PM Imran Khan allegedly violated the agreement with the IMF.
The PML-N leader claimed that the government took measures to minimise the risk during his tenure.
'No role in electoral politics'
Ismail made it clear that he won't be participating in electoral politics. "I won't be contesting elections as the interest of the country is more important than my own political career."
'Forum of thinkers'
To a question about a forum he and other leaders were planning to form prior to the polls, he confirmed that he has been discussing the idea with his fellows politicians, including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar.
To another question on engaging the PTI's members, he said he had spoken to them and they would be brought to the said forum.
Earlier this month, the PML-N leader accused Ishaq Dar of orchestrating a campaign to prevent him from continuing to hold the finance portfolio.
According to Ismail, Dar opted for a campaign spanning over six months as he could not tolerate anyone else from the party serving the position.