ISLAMABAD: Shamshad Akhtar has been removed from her role as the Minister for Privatization by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.
Sources have reported that the caretaker government has implemented significant changes regarding the authority to negotiate international agreements. It has been disclosed that the Finance Minister no longer holds the position of the head of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions.
Additionally, there are expectations that Fawad Hasan Fawad will assume the role of Federal Minister for Privatization, according to sources.
Earlier reports indicated that during an interaction with the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance, the minister mentioned occasionally pondering why she accepted the position.
However, it has been stated that these comments were made in a light-hearted manner. She also informed the committee that the state of the economy was more challenging than anticipated. The caretaker government would soon present a roadmap.
Nevertheless, in a subsequent clarification statement, Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar explained her comments. She clarified that her remarks about wondering why she accepted the cabinet position were ‘misinterpreted.’
In a video message, Shamshad Akhtar clarified that she meant many people had questioned her decision to become the finance minister during such challenging times. She also expressed that it was an honor to serve Pakistan under these circumstances. This clarification was disseminated through a video released by Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on X, a former Twitter platform.
There are reports that Fawad Hassan Fawad is likely to be appointed as the new privatization minister.
Fawad Hasan Fawad Inducted Into PM Kakar’s Interim Cabinet
Meanwhile, president Arif Alvi has approved the appointment under Article 224 (1A) on Premier Kakar’s advice. Throughout his career, Fawad Hasan Fawad held significant and sensitive positions in both Pakistan and abroad.
Before retiring, Fawad’s final role was as the director-general of the Civil Service Academy in Lahore. He also served as the principal secretary to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Minister of Punjab.
