Minister of State for Communication Abdul Hakeem Baloch on Thursday claimed that he was left with no option but to quit as he had no powers regarding important issues, including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Talking to Business Recorder, Hakeem Baloch confirmed his resignation from the Cabinet while saying that he was a powerless Minister and was sidelined in relation to important matters and projects.
Baloch said he was the only Cabinet member belonging to a new district Malir, but failed to address public issues. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is visiting different parts of the country and announcing development projects, said Baloch adding that no development package was given to him despite repeated attempts. The State Minister said that he has been suffering for the last three years and has no chance to re-join the Cabinet.
According to official sources at the Ministry of Communication, the Minister was not happy with the reported interference and had little or no say in important matters including the projects under the CPEC. The State Minister rarely attended Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees meetings on Communications.
He sent his resignation to the Prime Minister with an explanation that he had met the PM on 29 April and expressed his concerns regarding the problems of his constituency and his authority as a Minister. He said that since those concerns were not addressed, he had decided to resign. According to reports, the Prime Minister's House is not aware about the resignation of State Minister. We have not received the resignation letter from the Minister. In case, it is received, Premier is the final authority to accept or reject it, the PM House's spokesman reportedly stated.