ISLAMABAD, May 1: Former minister for law and parliamentary affairs, Senator Babar Awan, now stands truly powerless in the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) after removal from the vice president’s position.

As PPP co-chairman, President Asif Ali Zardari withdrew on Tuesday a four-month-old notification regarding Mr Awan’s appointment as the party’s vice president and also removed him as finance secretary.

“On the instructions of PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, the notification issued on Dec 29, 2011, appointing Mr Babar Awan as vice president, PPP, is withdrawn with immediate effect,” said an announcement on the website of the party.

Another announcement on the website says: “The PPP co-chairman, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, has appointed Ms Rukhsana Bangash, MNA, as secretary finance, central executive committee (CEC), in place of Babar Awan with immediate effect.”

After losing the two offices, Mr Awan will not be a part of the CEC, the highest decision-making forum of the party.—Amir Wasim