Hammad Azhar replaces Hafeez Sheikh as Financial Minister
In a surprise move, Prime Minister Imran Khan has removed Hafeez Sheikh from the office of the finance ministry. He has been replaced by Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar.
The move appears to be motivated by out-of-control inflation in the country that has created many difficulties for the current government.
The news was confirmed by senior PTI leader Senator Shibli Faraz. “Yes, Hafeez Shaikh has been removed and Hammad Azhar has been given additional charge of finance minister,” the senator said.
Faraz praised Hafeez Shaikh for his hard work and said he worked with a lot of commitment. He also acknowledged that the former minister helped in improving the economy. He will likely be replaced by an elected member on a permanent basis and Hammad’s appointment appears to be temporary.
“Hafeez Shaikh is a gentle and hardworking man. He served as an adviser to the PM with commitment and nationalism. Despite difficulties, he contributed towards and played his role in the improvement of the economy. We commend his efforts,” Faraz tweeted.
More changes to come
Shibli Faraz also said that there are more changes that will be made to the federal cabinet soon, though only Imran Khan is aware of all the changes that will take place.
“The cabinet will see shake-up before coming Thursday,” he added. “Whatever decisions are being taken, these are solely coming from the prime minister and nobody actually knows about them,” said a senior PTI leader while talking to the media. He expressed his willingness to rejoin the ranks of the government if he was offered a position as well.
According to sources, Murad Saeed, Shehryar Afridi, and Omar Ayub Khan may be shown the door. Farrukh Habib, an upcoming PTI leader may be added to the cabinet while Fawad Chaudhary could well be given a new portfolio.