Manzoor Wassan steps down as Sindh home minister

PPP lawmaker refuses to accept another portfolio in the provincial cabinet.

KARACHI:

Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan has been removed from his office for ‘reasons other than political’. He, however, refused to accept another portfolio in the provincial cabinet, sources told The Express Tribune.

The development came in a meeting between Wassan and President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House in Karachi on Friday. President Zardari offered Wassan, who returned to Karachi after almost a month’s leave, the ministry of works and services, according to sources. But he declined the offer saying that his doctors have prescribed him complete bed rest.

After the meeting, Wassan left Bilawal House, escorted by his private security guards. He did not speak to the media persons waiting outside. “I will not speak to you. Please let me go now,” Wassan told the inquisitive journalists. Wassan’s departure has set off a guessing game about his replacement. One report suggested that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a key ally of the PPP-led government, has again demanded the coveted portfolio.

However, Local Government Minister Agha Siraj Durrani and Food Minister Nadir Magsi are being tipped as the top contenders for the office, according to sources.  Officials believe that Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah will hold the key portfolio until a suitable replacement is found for Wassan. Durrani, however, maintained that Wassan would continue until further orders.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2012.