PML-N senator regrets appointment of ‘imported finance minister’

Dr Kirmani alleges establishment ‘pawns’, members of 'political lobbies' included in the cabinet

LAHORE:

Terming the finance minister as an outsider and admitting the presence of establishment-recommended souls in the federal cabinet, PML-N's Dr Asif Kirmani has joined the chorus of senior party leaders urging the incumbent leadership to engage in introspection to mitigate further political losses.

Outgoing Senator Dr Asif Kirmani, who once was seen as a close aide to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, talking to a private TV channel said that there were unelected people in cabinet, alluding to, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Chema and establishment-backed former caretaker Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi.

Kirmani specifically highlighted his lack of knowledge regarding Aurangzeb's credentials to hold the position of financial czar.

Expressing regret over such appointments, Dr Kirmani drew parallels with past instances where individuals like Shaukat Aziz and Moeen Qureshi were brought in.

Alluding to Aurangzeb, he said that reportedly Aurangzeb took the oath of his ministry first and later had his nationality revoked. He claimed that some individuals belonged to political lobbies, while others were associated with establishment lobbies.

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Strangely, many senior analysts and journalists, seemingly supportive of PML-N, have taken it upon themselves to associate Muhammad Aurangzeb with the party to rationalise his appointment, dismissing those who label him an outsider as ignorant.

Lamenting the influx of both political and establishment figures into the party's ranks, Dr Kirmani stressed the need for a return to the core principles that once defined the PML-N's narrative.

He pointed fingers at the party's deviation from its "vote ko izzat do" (respect the vote) slogan, marking it as the beginning of their downward spiral, especially after it voted for General Bajwa's extension.

He suggested that Nawaz Sharif should engage in some brainstorming to understand why a party that was once national in scope is now confined to a single province, and why it failed to achieve the desired outcomes.

The party had anticipated a simple majority, but the election results did not align with its expectations, he added.

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Regarding Nawaz Sharif’s active role in the party, he remarked that until the supreme leader of the party decides to ‘minus himself’, no one else can.

Regarding the party losing touch with reality, he said he continued to voice concerns even during the toughest times. However, if their advice goes unheeded, all they can do is pray.

Regarding Maryam Nawaz, Kirmani said that she should function as a head of the province, as the chief minister’s role is not akin to that of a price control magistrate or chairman of a price control committee. He advised her not to exhaust herself early on, as it was a long race.

Recently, former federal minister Javed Latif labelled the government as a puppet and raised doubts about the credibility of elections.

It's worth mentioning that at least two sitting federal ministers and several other leaders have expressed disappointment over the inclusion of establishment appointees in the cabinet. Similarly, some have voiced dismay at the party's decision to align itself closely with the establishment, viewing it as a step towards becoming a pawn in their game.