Miftah Ismail lands in hot water for his statements against party policy; party stalwarts ask him for explanation

ISLAMABAD, Oct 04 (SABAH): Former finance minister and PML-N senior leader Miftah Ismail on Tuesday landed in hot water as party stalwarts have directed him to give explanation of what he said against the government’s decisions.  

While taking stringent notice of Miftah Ismail’s recent statements, high command of ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has directed him to refrain from doing so. He has been found involved in continuously hurling statements against the party’s policy since he stepped down as the finance minister and Senator Ishaq Dar took charge while replacing him. A few days back he criticized PML-N led government’s decision to lower petroleum products’ prices terming it reckless.

Miftah Ismail said the current government’s decision not to increase petroleum development levy was irresponsible.  He blamed that affluent class had tightened the noose against the country, and continued that 570 persons were given loan at the rate of just one person.

He said, “I was of the view that the government will not oust me as each and everything had been put on the right trajectory during my period as finance minister. When I took over and knocked the doors of IMF, the country was saved from default.”

Sources said that party stalwarts took stringent action on Miftah’s statements and advised him to abstain from making such statements that may dent party’s interests. Party command also asked him to explain as on which grounds he has been making such statements.