Prime Minster Imran Khan has directed Abdul Hafeez Shaikh to continue working as Federal Minister for Finance after rumors spread that the latter had decided to resign following his defeat in Senate elections.
As per details, PM Imran Khan met with Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Saturday (today) and expressed full confidence in the federal minister directing him to continue carrying out his duties as Federal Finance Minister.
The premier lauded Hafeez Shaikh’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy while serving as SAPM and then as Federal Finance Minister.
It is to be noted that Abdul Hafeez Shaikh had lost to opposition backed PPP leader Yousuf Raza Gilani in March 3rd Senate elections. The former had managed to secure 164 votes in contrast to Gilani’s 169, resulting in the victory of PDM candidate by a margin of seven votes.
Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was appointed as Advisor on Finance replacing Asad Umar back in 2019. Shaikh was then sworn in as Federal Finance Minister on December 11th 2020 last year.
It is to be noted that Abdul Hafeez Shaikh is not an elected member of the parliament (National Assembly or Senate). However, according to Article 91 of the Constitution of Pakistan, non-elected individuals can be appointed as ministers for a short time period.
A Minister who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of the National Assembly shall, at the expiration of that period, cease to be a Minister, says Article 91.
