Panama Papers, no worries. Indicted by NAB, bring it on. Non-bailable arrest warrants, I don’t care. Properties freeze, I have lot more abroad. Soon to be on the Exit Control List, I am already out. If defiance had a face, Dar would be it. After nearly all news channels almost confirmed Dar’s resignation on Saturday, the government was quick to refute the claims.
Dar has not resigned – at least not yet. And from what it appears, if the recent turn of events has not convinced him to step down, nothing will. That he is not resigning must not come as a surprise, as there is not much precedence to look for. He seems to be religiously following the ‘innocent until proven guilty’ mantra, just like his leader and ex-Prime Minister.
Him not resigning is the least disturbing part of the whole saga. More disturbing is the fact that he continues to cling on despite been asked by the Prime Minister himself. Even more disturbing is the fact that the PM does not even have the power to sack him from the post, because he still needs the nod of the former PM. The show is still being run by the former PM and that is surely not a pretty sight.
Dar’s illness must not cost the country more economic illness. However legit his London stay for medical reasons maybe, the government should at least have the guts, power, will, or understanding to appoint an acting Finance Minister in his absence.
While Pakistan has just reported a decade-high GDP growth, it has also witnessed an all-time high trade deficit and debt obligations. Pakistan is due to fetch more money from the international bond markets and it may end up getting less than optimal price, for the mere optics of a country virtually being without a finance minister.
No denying Dar’s services, but surely there must be at least one capable enough individual to look after the affairs in his absence. He may well have his name cleared from all the cases, get well soon, or be at least back to the country. Pakistan can ill-afford to continue being a joke just for some ego satisfaction.
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