By Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially accepted the resignation of Jahanzeb Khan from his position as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. The resignation was submitted directly to the Prime Minister, leading to a significant change in the commission’s leadership.
In a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday, it was announced that Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal will now take on the additional role of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. This appointment is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Iqbal will perform the duties of Deputy Chairman without receiving any additional compensation or benefits associated with the role.
The decision comes amid reported tensions between Iqbal and Khan. Sources have indicated that Iqbal sought to hold both his ministerial position and the role of Deputy Chairman simultaneously, which contributed to the discord. Media and social media speculation had been rampant regarding potential resignations or changes in leadership, with rumors suggesting that Iqbal might resign due to these ongoing issues.
Despite the speculation, close aides to Iqbal have clarified that he has not resigned from his ministerial position. However, they have also pointed out that if interference in his role continues, Iqbal might reconsider his position. While he remains committed to his current responsibilities, including the additional role of Deputy Chairman, he is prepared to accept a different position within the government if necessary. The situation underscores the complexities of managing high-level government roles and the impact of internal conflicts on government operations.
