Asad Umar mulls quitting politics

Islamabad: After resigning from the finance ministry, Asad Umar has started considering bidding farewell to politics.

Hum Tv on Friday reported that Umar is dejected over the internal rift in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and has expressed his desire in front of his close friends that that he wants to quit politics after resigning as the Member of National Assembly.

Citing unnamed sources, the local broadcaster said Asad Umar’s family too was fed up with politics and wants him to call it a day.

Talking about his future plan, the channel reported, Asad Umar told his friends that he would spend most of his time in Karachi.

The, friends, however, have asked him to review his decision, according to the TV channel.

It emerged on Thursday that Prime Minister Imran Khan had asked Asad Umar to step down as financial tsar of the country and take charge of another ministry.

Asad refused the offer but assured the prime minister of his support.

Speaking at a press conference, Umar said he still believes Imran Khan is the leader who can build “Naya Pakistan”.

Geo News on Friday reported that Asad Umar had faced criticism from party leaders in cabinet meetings and failed to satisfy the premier over the current state of economy.

Quoting sources, the TV channel said Imran Khan was of the view that the policies introduced by Asad Umar have created difficulties for the poor.

Speaking at a rally in Orakzai district, erstwhile Fata, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said he would not hesitate from “changing batting order” or removing his team members if he feels that their performance was not up to the mark.

The prime minister also cautioned chief ministers of Khyebr Paktunkhwa and Punjab to “keep an eye” on their team members.

Senior journalist Hamid was of the view that removal of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar was also in the offing.

Punjab government spokesman Shehbaz Gill, however, denied the reports.