Imtiaz Sheikh, who was sacked over corruption charges from the Sindh Cabinet a few months back, has tendered his resignation as provincial Secretary General of ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML). PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, accepting his resignation on Monday, made him senior central vice president of the party, and appointed Nadir Akmal Leghari as new PML Secretary General of Sindh. Nadir Leghari is currently an elected member of Sindh Assembly and hails from Ghotki district.
Speaking at a news conference here, the PML president insisted the step had been taken to strengthen the party. Insiders said Imtiaz Sheikh had been asked to resign in order to end months-long leadership crisis in Sindh.
Shujaat Hussain, who was flanked by party Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Syed and Majid Malik, told reporters that the Prime Minister's inspection team had not yet completed its probe, and so far, not a single charge levelled by Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim against Imtiaz Sheikh was proved.
But sources in the ruling PML described Imtiaz Sheikh's resignation as a 'victory' for Arbab Rahim, who enjoyed the support of other PML stalwarts, including Pir Pagara in Sindh.
They said Shujaat also wanted the resignation of Arbab Rahim as President of Sindh PML, but could not implement the decision because of strong backing of Sindh Chief Minister by other key party leaders.
Shujaat said the resignation of Imtiaz Sheikh was accepted in best interest of the party, and denied that the former Sindh minister was compelled to quit as Secretary General of PML. He hoped the appointment of Imtiaz Sheikh, as Central Vice President, would strengthen the PML.