Why Shehbaz is undermining Finance Minister?

At a time Muhammad Aurangzeb, Finance Minister needs the government’s fullest backing to conclude the crucial deal and implement tough economic reforms over the next several years, it seems that some circles are trying to undermine his role in the cabinet.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ditched Aurangzeb twice within span of a month. His decision to name Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to the all-important Council of Common Interests (CCI) and keep Aurangzeb out of it looks like an attempt to contain his role in decision-making.

Sadly, this was not the only occasion, earlier Aurangzeb was also sidelined. The prime minister in a break from tradition, decided to chair the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) the top policy making forum. It was only after widespread criticism that he yielded the position to the finance minister.

Similarly, Aurangzeb’s role in the privatization process was also diminished by appointing Dar as head of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization.

In the CCI’s case, what exactly is the foreign minister expected to contribute to the council’s deliberations? As against this, the presence of the finance minister in the CCI — the top constitutional forum mandated to discuss and decide on matters and disputes related to the federation and the provinces — is of utmost importance at this moment because the implementation of several IMF program goals and policy reforms hinge on the active involvement of the federating units.

There is no better forum than the CCI to enlist the buy-in of the provinces on the IMF program and reforms. It can only be hoped that sense will prevail and the prime minister will replace Dar with Aurangzeb in the CCI in the larger interest of the country.