Dar has not resigned: Marriyum Aurangzeb

Lauds finance minister’s ‘efforts for economic revival’

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had not resigned; and even if he did so, it would be for the prime minister to accept or reject his resignation.

“Dar has made commendable efforts in revival of the economy in line with the vision of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif,” the minister said while talking to the media on the eve of a friendly rugby match between Italy and Pakistan.



“The economy of the country is far stronger and far more stable than in 2013,” she claimed.

Dar – who is facing a graft case filed by NAB – is currently in London for treatment of his heart problem.

During his absence from the country, Dar has been removed as member of the Council of Common Interests by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Marriyum said from now on the country would be run in line with the will of the masses and as a consequence of the political maturity shown by the political parties in resolving the delimitation issue, general elections would be held on time.

The development would have silenced those who were demanding early polls in the country, she said, adding that the country was fast moving towards political stability, and democracy was strengthening with every passing day.

She observed that the federal and provincial governments and law enforcement agencies had played a very significant role in establishing peace in the country with an unfaltering determination and commitment.

The minister, in response to a question regarding desertions from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said a big number of PTI members did not agree with the brand of politics practiced by the party leadership and it appeared that more and more of them would leave it in the coming days.

Anybody daring to speak the truth, she added, would be expelled from the PTI because how could a person, who himself was a great liar, tolerate those who told the truth. “Imran Khan is reaping now what he had sowed earlier,” she added.

Regarding the sit-in at Faizabad, Marriyum observed that the government wanted an amicable solution to the stalemate. The government was used to sit-ins which were a gift from the PTI chief, she added.



To a question on the freedom of expression, she said it must be enjoyed with utmost sense of responsibility.

Responding to another question, the minister reiterated that ensuring ascendency of law and Constitution in the country was the vision of Sharif. Pakistan had grappled with the scourge of terrorism for the last 35 years and the government was continuing its efforts to restore complete peace in the country, she added.