Asad again declines portfolio offer
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ISLAMABAD: Former finance minister Asad Umar on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and again refused to hold any portfolio in the federal cabinet.
Talking to Dawn, Mr Umar said political and national issues were discussed during the meeting.
When asked if the prime minister insisted he can have any ministry other than finance, Mr Umar said he has a standing offer to hold the ministry he had earlier been offered when he was removed from the finance ministry.
According to reports circulating in media, when Mr Umar was ousted from the finance ministry he was offered the federal ministry for petroleum, but he turned down the offer and decided to serve only as a member of the National Assembly (MNA).
Interestingly, Prime Minister Khan, on the very next day after the removal of his former close confidant from the finance ministry, said in a public meeting in Wana that “he [prime minister] will not accept any one in the cabinet who will not be in the interest of the country”.
It is believed that Mr Umar had resisted the “harsh” conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to which he was asked to step down on April 18. According to the opposition, following his removal, close aides and ex-officials of IMF were being appointed to key positions in the economic team of the government.
“I have no intention of rejoining [the cabinet],” he replied when asked if he could revisit his decision. “It [Ramazan] is a month of prayers and worship so I will concentrate on it instead of running after a seat in the cabinet,” Mr Umar said on a lighter note.
Asked if he would accept the offer of a ministry after Ramazan, the PTI leader replied in the negative. “One can serve the nation by sitting outside the cabinet also.”
Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2019
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Comments (92) Closed
May 08, 2019 07:45am
He should be obedient and listen to PMIK orders without question. That’s how people should respect PMIK
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May 08, 2019 07:54am
He's a man of dignity. Too bad that he had to go because of some unforeseen circumstances. Respect Asad.
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May 08, 2019 07:55am
He does not have to sit with a disgraced minister like Azam Swaati in the Cabinet.
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May 08, 2019 07:58am
Good to see a man showing some character. Well done Mr Umar
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May 08, 2019 07:59am
A competent man of integrity who is the only one politician who sacrificed for Pakistan.
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May 08, 2019 08:06am
With the pressure that the government is in lately Asad Umer took the right decision as a ministerial position could be short lived.
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May 08, 2019 08:12am
Excellent - he is a man of principle .
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May 08, 2019 08:16am
A man of honour and pride.
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May 08, 2019 08:33am
He is an honest man. It seems that he is under pressure to accept something in UK cabinet to shut up opposition.
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May 08, 2019 08:42am
Mr. Asad should accept a position in the Central Cabinet at least in the advisory position to help the govt. in making correct financial decision. Pakistan now passing through grave financial situations and a competent financial person like Mr. Asad is absolutely necessary. Mr. Asad should do it for the sake of the country.
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May 08, 2019 08:45am
He should be given charge of FBR actually. At least he's an elected representative of the public and can hold the rank of minister/adviser.
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May 08, 2019 08:54am
Crown of thorns, no body wants to wear it.
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May 08, 2019 09:07am
It's a shame they let him go but Asad Umar is doing the right thing by not joining the cabinet. Now he is free to serve the nation more openly and I hope with less stress. What a shame for PTI government, not being able to keep a handful of its own die hard members. And instead keeping corrupt ppl like Azam Swati.
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May 08, 2019 09:13am
I am confused. Just on the other the Prime Minister said that the national asset Mr Umar would return to the Cabinet shortly. Can anyone tell me what is really going on in the PTI government?
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May 08, 2019 09:16am
Good, he should take a stand.
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May 08, 2019 09:16am
He is a future prime minister of Pakistan. He can make a political party of his own today and have a broad following within and outside PTI. He had always been the second choice for PTI workers and today when Imran Khan is disappointing on all his promises, bringing PPP discards like Firdos Awan and Sheikh Hafeez on the forefront after firing a man like AU, hundreds of PTI die hard supporters have all gone mum. They won't go for Sharifs and Zardaris but if given a choice like Asad, they will take it with open arms.
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May 08, 2019 09:29am
Respect Sir!
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May 08, 2019 09:36am
Smart man.
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May 08, 2019 09:51am
Great Man!
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May 08, 2019 10:44am
@Shahid, Really?
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May 08, 2019 10:46am
Mr. Asad Umar, to whom you are telling this? I mean what is need of telling us that you have an standing offer?
Infact, you are doing disservice to your party contrary to your claim.
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May 08, 2019 10:52am
@Shahid, He is playing his cards well in a very adverse situation. He is converting the disadvantage to his benefit.
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May 08, 2019 11:04am
I love Captain Sahib but he should be careful who he keeps as his close advisers. Advisers can bring you to new heights or throw you under the buss.
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May 08, 2019 11:04am
Avoid Cabinet at all costs if you want to keep respect.
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May 08, 2019 11:08am
Let him take rest.
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May 08, 2019 11:14am
A man of principles ....good stand taken.
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May 08, 2019 11:34am
Mr. Asad Umar is an educated and principled man and resisted the damning restrictions imposed by the IMF. Let us see how long the IMF and Pakistan can be in sync with the bailout plan. Salams and Ramazan Kareem Mubarak
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May 08, 2019 11:39am
Asad Umar is old news, lets move on. PTI needs to focus on the economy and deliver on their promises. Best if Asad Umar stays away from the media, as I said earlier he is history.
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May 08, 2019 11:48am
Finally he was smart enough to figure out that IK ship is sailing to nowhere.
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May 08, 2019 11:50am
He is an honourable man, not hungry for positions or money lest he would not have let go of his much lucrative career to join politics. One of the few clean and competent politicians we have. Respect.
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May 08, 2019 11:51am
Asad Umar should serve in NA. The PM should quit offering him a cabinet position since his ego is too large. Not a team player.
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May 08, 2019 12:35pm
Although, seeing AU out of the cabinet is a huge loss to the PTI Govt. but his principled stance of not accepting the offer to join the cabinet again should be admired and appreciated. There are norms, ethics, rules, procedure and above all the civility applicable for hiring or firing of Govt.officials especially the minister of such an important portfolio. He was on a talk show explaining the outcome of his meetings in the US and the next thing he got to know was that he is no longer a minister. He was fired when IMF dialogue was ongoing and the next year federal budget is expected soon. This has happened to a person considered to be one of the stalwart of PTI and close friend of the PM. People don't apply such crude methods while hiring or firing of their personal cooks or drivers now a days. Ignoring sensitivities of the matters shows the lack of understanding, experience and maturity which is a cause of great concern for people who supported PTI and still wish them succeed.
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May 08, 2019 12:47pm
He should be working for his country not his ego. His brother was his greatest critic.
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May 08, 2019 01:06pm
He wants only Finance portfolio.
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May 08, 2019 01:08pm
It is very unfortunate that we are wasting our time on non-issues. It absolutely does not matter if we have Mr. Asad Umar or Mr. XYZ in the cabinet. What matters is that if they are able to deliver as promised. Let's for once stop arguing over personalities.
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May 08, 2019 01:12pm
His privacy and decision should be respected.
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May 08, 2019 01:20pm
He should understand the complexities of the
Government and try to help imran and Pakistan
And not be too stubborn aswell.
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May 08, 2019 01:29pm
Good decision by Asad Umar.
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May 08, 2019 01:32pm
Anyone who disagrees with Tikka Khan Sani in PTI will end up with the same fate as Asad Umar.
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May 08, 2019 01:32pm
Good man ..... and obviously he knows more than what he is letting on and that does not bode well for PTI.
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May 08, 2019 01:35pm
@Chinpaksaddique, without question? what is wrong with you
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May 08, 2019 01:36pm
He is scared.
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May 08, 2019 01:44pm
He should be allowed to remain silent ....
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May 08, 2019 01:53pm
He has already done more than enough damage to the economy. Please keep him away from the cabinet.
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May 08, 2019 02:00pm
I’m no fan of Asad Umar but I have started to like him. At least he is sticking to his stance that if he is not good for one ministry then he can’t be good for another one. The way he has been treated by PM Niazi is not right.
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May 08, 2019 02:23pm
Right decision by a right person.
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May 08, 2019 02:24pm
z and see . He will join. The first 100 days are important in office and his performance was not up to the marks. The decision to increase dollars has affected the foreign investment badly.
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May 08, 2019 02:25pm
PTI swiftly moving towards totalitarian authoritative govt.
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May 08, 2019 02:45pm
He is waiting to be PM in future . He knows his turn comming soon . We all know where decisions made.
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May 08, 2019 03:06pm
In cricket, the captain can change the order of batting according to the circumstances, I guess this happened in case of Mr Omar. He seems honest man and this country require honest men dearly. I wish he could take another ministry. Even if he is able to sort out the mess in railways or PIA or steel mills that would be a tremendous services to the country. So I insist he takes up some position.
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May 08, 2019 03:10pm
He seems to be a man of principle. Good.
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May 08, 2019 03:13pm
A wise decision not to join the cabinet. Mr Asad is a man of impeccable character, integrity, and genuine sincerity. My best wishes to him.
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May 08, 2019 03:21pm
Its better he and his brother stay away from politics. They failed to perform and deliver to masses.
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May 08, 2019 03:48pm
Loyalty should be to the country, not Imran Khan, not the party, that’s how you know who the person really is.
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May 08, 2019 03:58pm
Asad Umar should stick with his decision and prove himself a man of principle who does not take U-turn.
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May 08, 2019 04:03pm
Asad Umar was a liability for Imran Khan's government. He failed to get things done, instead created uncertainty about the state of economy. He failed to negotiate the IMF deal despite a 100-200 increase in utility tariffs and devaluation in Pkr. Asad Umar is good for talking but action he lacks the vision and aplomb as finance Minister.
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May 08, 2019 04:04pm
Whatever has transpired since the coming into power of the PTI, Mr. Asad Umer is equally responsible for the same like any other member of the party. He should continue to get the credit or discredit for all his actions during the tenure of his ministership.
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May 08, 2019 04:06pm
@Chinpaksaddique, Not necessarily, if a person is a principled one.
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May 08, 2019 04:13pm
Man of character. Honorable Minister Umar.
Thank you for great leadership Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.
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May 08, 2019 04:42pm
Asad Umar is a man of integrity. While some blackmail or beg for a portfolio, he resists and declines those offers. A man of dignity.
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May 08, 2019 04:59pm
It is clear from the article that he had to go as he was unwilling to accept the conditions of the IMF and at present frankly PMIK also knows that Pakistan has no choice but to accept the conditions or go bankrupt. Tough conditions are of course a conspiracy to finish Pakistan by the troika and rest of the western powers. Lest I forget to mention that.
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May 08, 2019 05:03pm
Act of depression!!!!
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May 08, 2019 05:16pm
He should start his own party now.
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May 08, 2019 05:25pm
Stop sulking, get in to help the government. Petroleum is a good portfolio specially when we strike oil.
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May 08, 2019 05:26pm
@MirzaCanada,
Govt with no plan's only talk!!!!
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May 08, 2019 05:29pm
There is a difference between a politician and a leader. Asad Umer is politician and is from politician family where as Imran Khan is s leader. Leader work for masses while politicians work for themself and for their extended families. Let Asad Umar go.
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May 08, 2019 05:36pm
how PMIK keeping Mr Swaati in cabinet.
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May 08, 2019 05:59pm
Great guy. First time heard that someone in Pakistan is refusing power.
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May 08, 2019 06:39pm
A dignified man of principles and values .!
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May 08, 2019 07:45pm
I think he should listen to IK and support him side by side that his you will show solidarity to IK and make Pakistan strong. IK need good people in his team and Asad is a good guy.
I respect his decision but by sitting outside and making statement will not help IK or Pakistan.
Request to Asad please understand. thanks.
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May 08, 2019 08:32pm
@farid, use the power for the well-being of common people. Because you cannot uplift people living standard without this power.
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May 09, 2019 03:11am
Pakistan never had a good Finance Minister. All the ones before Asad Umer were simply Accountants at large. Go as far back as Late Mr Shoaib who was the Military Accountant General before becoming FM. Those that followed him were simply interested in keeping their job without rocking their boats which AU was about to do. Asad Umar will long be remembered for his vision and his ability to do what his predecessors did not have the courage to touch.
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May 09, 2019 03:36am
He cannot disrespect the smartest PMIK this country has ever seen. Ministers should be obedient and respectful and listen to whatever the PMIK says otherwise there is no democracy
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May 09, 2019 03:37am
@Ishrat salim, there is no one except PMIK that’s what all ministers should listen to him without any doubt or questions
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May 09, 2019 02:04pm
Asad Umer is a capable person, He should take the party affairs of pati, Pakistani awam is suffering more then the tenure of PML N or PPPP.
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May 09, 2019 03:49pm
Is Asad Umer a Chartered Accountant? How does he qualify to hold such a portfolio?
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May 09, 2019 09:12pm
He at least showed some dignity & integrity that has become a taboo in the corridors of power in Pakistan. Rest, he must serve this nation to the fullest if he got this opportunity.
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May 10, 2019 01:17am
Give it a rest media, he doesn't want it, lets move on. You can lead the horse to the water, but you can't make him drink it. Next man up please.
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May 10, 2019 01:52am
@Another Sane Pakistani, so true
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May 10, 2019 01:54am
@Ashok De, Calgary, He is no more required and been removed.
So how can he sit and advice?
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May 10, 2019 04:51am
@Spinoza, Is it respect, turning your back on the country that made you what you are!!
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May 10, 2019 04:55am
@Ashok De, Calgary, How can he do that? everyone has put him on such a high pedestal, that it is difficult for him to get down!
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May 10, 2019 04:58am
@RC, I think he is playing a 'dirty' game!
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May 10, 2019 05:03am
He should set his pride aside and work for the nation thru PTI.
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May 10, 2019 06:09am
Asad Umar is not a jerk. He is a fairly bright person. He did make some errors, but so what? It is better that he wait and serve the nation as a member of the Parliament. Those who wait they also serve. I hope Mr. Umar will actively participate in the debates in Parliament and make his contributions there. He is young and may return at a later date as Finance Minister or some other Office.
No one can accuse him of filling his pockets
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May 10, 2019 06:11am
@My opinion, I think you are right.
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May 10, 2019 06:17am
@Ashok De, Calgary, Ashok is giving a good advice to Umar, but it is not too bad for him to take time before he re-enters the government as a cabinet member.
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May 10, 2019 06:41am
@Chinpaksaddique, If you have no brain of your own you will listen to any one.
Imran Khan is an honest and hard working Prime Minister, but he was not trained as a politician. He is learning the tricks of the trade, but he must not let his bright supporters leave. Suppose Imran Khan dues (I hop not) who will replace him. So keep other good and honest people around, so they can step in.
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May 10, 2019 06:43am
@Shahid Kamal, very true and nicely put. Such a thing should not happen again
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May 10, 2019 08:54am
It's not his fault, he was dealing with the worst economic crisis the country has ever had, it needed someone more experienced and knowledgeable to get the country out of the crisis, I hope Hafeez Shiekh delivers --- although the conditions laid down by IMF are very harsh, increase in taxation, increase in utility bills will reduce growth, increase unemployment, and increase inflation---- but the most worrying thing is to free float rupee, which no country with weak economy can afford to do, such a step leads the currency open to speculation, and there are big predators like George Soros whose only pastime is to bet against the currency, it wrecks the economy of the country, and he earns billions in the process.
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May 10, 2019 10:32am
He is a wise guy and is aware of the current situation.
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May 10, 2019 11:34am
@Shahid, I sort of agree with you. He is the succession plan of PMIK. I think Khan sab should publicly declare him as his successor. Having said that praying for a long political life of Khan sab.
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