Dealing a significant blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former finance minister Shaukat Tarin announced his departure from the party and retirement from active politics on Friday. Tarin cited challenging financial circumstances and declining health as the primary reasons for his decision.
In a conversation with a local media outlet, Tarin, who previously served as the finance minister under the PTI government, disclosed the immense strain he faced over the last two-and-a-half years, both economically and health-wise. He attributed his worsening health to experiencing two bouts of Covid during his tenure.
Expressing appreciation for the support he received from colleagues and friends throughout his political journey, Tarin stated, “Therefore, at the insistence of my family and friends, I have decided to resign from active politics for good and move on. Hence, I am resigning from PTI and also from the Senate of Pakistan.”
Tarin underscored his contributions to the country’s economic stability during his tenure as finance minister. He noted his pivotal role in averting a potential default and stabilizing the economy under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in 2008-10. Additionally, he claimed credit for achieving the “best economic performance in 17 years” during his time as finance minister in the PTI government.
Reflecting on his 27-year-long political career, Tarin mentioned that he endeavored to repay the country at “great personal costs,” following in the footsteps of his father, a veteran of the Pakistan Movement.
His departure aligns with a series of politicians leaving the PTI in the aftermath of a nationwide crackdown initiated against the party following the May 9 riots triggered by the arrest of PTI leader Imran Khan. Prominent figures who have parted ways with the party include Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Pervez Khattak, and Farrukh Habib, among others.
Tarin, appointed as finance minister by the PTI government in April 2021, concluded his constitutional term on October 16, 2021. Subsequently, he assumed the role of finance adviser to the prime minister. In December 2021, the PTI government successfully secured Tarin’s election as a senator, resulting in his reinstatement as the finance minister.
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