Miftah Ismail resigns from position as PML-N Sindh secretary general

Karachi: Miftah Ismail, the former Finance Minister, has tendered his resignation as the secretary general of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sindh, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision was made public on Saturday.

Miftah Ismail submitted a copy of his resignation to Ahsan Iqbal, the party's Secretary General, and also declared his departure from other committees within the party. In his resignation letter, Miftah expressed gratitude to the party's leadership, particularly Nawaz Sharif and current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for entrusting him with significant responsibilities in both the government and the party.

He specifically acknowledged the support of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing his enduring appreciation for their backing. The development comes in the wake of dissatisfaction expressed by Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N senior vice-president, regarding the performance of Shah Mohammad Shah and Miftah Ismail. It had already been hinted that Shah Mohammad Shah and Miftah Ismail would be removed from their respective positions as president and secretary general in Sindh.

Maryam Nawaz voiced her discontent with the party's officeholders, clarifying that they would not be entrusted with significant responsibilities in the future. On June 16, during the PML-N's general assembly, Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz were elected as the party's president and chief organizer, respectively. Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the secretary general, Marriyum Aurangzeb as the secretary of information, and Ishaq Dar was chosen as the secretary of finance. Ataullah Tarar was also elected as the party's deputy secretary general, along with other officeholders. These leaders will hold their respective party offices for the next four years.

During the general assembly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif firmly stated that those engaged in undermining and criticizing Ishaq Dar did not deserve to remain in the party. He praised Ishaq Dar's dedication and emphasized that his health had been compromised due to hard work. Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted Ishaq Dar's pivotal role in securing an affordable gas deal with Azerbaijan. The Prime Minister mentioned intentionally delaying the party's general assembly meetings for Nawaz Sharif, enabling his return and resumption of party responsibilities.