Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, the son of former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, quit the post of vice chairman of the Balochistan Investment Board (BIB) on Thursday in the face of growing criticism from opposition parties and the media.
Leading opposition legislators and media circles had raised a red flag on the appointment of the son of the former top judge to the post of vice chairman.
Confirming reports of Dr Arsalan’s resignation, spokesman for the provincial government Jan Buledi said that “it would be incorrect to suggest that he quit his job after Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch demanded his resignation.” Instead, he suggested that Dr Arsalan might have succumbed to public criticism.
The spokesman added that following the resignation, the issue of Dr Arsalan’s appointment should now be considered a “closed chapter”.
However, according to insiders, Dr Arsalan had been asked to resign due to his eagerness in resolving the multi-billion dollar gold and copper project at Reko Deq in Chaghi district of Balochistan.
“Dr Arsalan’s unnecessary interest in Reko Deq gold and copper mines created problems for the provincial government,” said Buledi. “Arsalan had nothing to do with the project,” he added. Buledi admitted that Arsalan’s interest in Reko Deq caused doubts about his designs in government circles.
Welcoming the resignation, spokesman of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazal (JUI-F) Jan Achakzai said that the Balochistan government had no option but to seek Dr Arsalan’s resignation due to increasing political pressure. He added that the federal government should launch an investigation into the appointment of Dr Arsalan to ensure transparency in governance.
Asad Umar, a leading legislator of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said that a corruption tainted person had been appointed by the Balochistan chief minister against relevant rules and regulations. “It is good that the government has realised its mistake and removed an incompetent person from a highly important position,” Umer added.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that the establishment was also opposed to the appointment of Dr Arsalan and had conveyed its reservations to CM Dr Abdul Malik. However, the appointment became a serious issue for the provincial government after a select group of provincial cabinet members and parliamentarians, including those affiliated with the ruling National Party (NP), raised objections over Dr Arsalan’s appointment and asked the chief minister to reverse his decision. Despite repeated attempts, Dr Arsalan could not be reached for comment.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2014.
COMMENTS (9)
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The whole nation especially I am worried at the Arsalan that he got admission in Medical College in Chief Minister qouta then after MBBS he got the government job from that job he immediately sent to FIA as Deputy Director on deputation etc every work done according to the rules and regulation. While we have passed from the experience that our legal job is not being done. I do not how many qualities Mr Arsalan have. I think one he is the son of Cheif Justice while we are the sons of poors community.
So now the government and all departments will take decisions on pressure, right? How can someone get a job in government if he has a police case in Pakistan, if I'm not wrong
With unprecedented audacity, this chap defended himself on a local TV channel last night. He claimed to have chalked out a plan to bring big changes in the fishing industry of Baluchistan.He also claimed to have done some homework in bringing Saudi investment for agriculture.And he said that he has a telecom related business. How does he even qualify for what he was proposing to do. Had it been big exec of a corporation in Pakistan, I would have had some confidence in that person. This Arslan was a clean cut frontman for the Sharif, based on his contacts.
Arsalan resigned from a post which he did not deserved and its making a news. i wonder that mega corrupts like this man and his father are still somebodies in this land of the pures.
The play started and end quickly.. God bless us
He was forced to resign. There is no high moral ground. Now the corrupt chap is claiming moral victory over his critics.
Are you watching, Najam Sethi? Have some shame....
Dr Arsalan did a good deal as it is a fact he is not fit for the same job
How times change just ovr a yr ago CJP was highly respected tday he alongside is son are despised,he as shown himself 2 b dispicable.