CM accepts Khokhar’s resignation as minister

Legislator cites ‘personal’ and political reasons for quitting cabinet

LAHORE:

Following Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar accepted the resignation of provincial Minister for Wildlife and Fisheries Malik Asad Ali Khokhar on Sunday.

In his handwritten resignation, Khokhar claimed that he could not continue his duties as provincial minister for personal and political reasons, but government sources indicated that he had been asked to step down. The decision of his removal had been made during a meeting between the prime minister and the chief minister, they said.

Speaking to the media, Khokhar claimed that he was not removed from the ministry but had submitted resignation. “I had to take this decision because I cannot focus on my constituency due to the pressing responsibilities of the ministry.”

However, the sources said that Khokhar had come to know about the decision of the leaders and tendered his resignation to avoid embarrassment, which was accepted by the chief minister. Punjab government also issued a notification of the acceptance of his resignation.

The sources said that Khokhar was facing allegations of corruption and misuse of authority. They said that instead of focusing on his ministry, he tried to benefit a property tycoon by influencing the senior management of the Lahore Ring Road Authority (LRRA) for realignment of the Lahore Ring Road Southern Loop III. The sources also hinted at more changes in the provincial cabinet and bureaucracy. Investigations were underway to determine the level of involvement of ministers and bureaucrats in corruption in development projects.

An official of the Punjab Fisheries Department said that owing to lack of interest and non-availability of financial resources, the department could not get any development project approved for the current fiscal year. The new development projects, like caged fish farming, and ongoing schemes, including the development of mobile and permanent labs for identification of fish diseases and establishment of feed mills had been put on halt or delayed.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2020.