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Petroleum crisis: Nadeem Babar resigns from his post on PM's orders

Petroleum crisis: Nadeem Babar resigns from his post on PM's orders
March 26, 2021

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Petroleum Nadeem Babar has resigned from his post over petroleum crisis.

According to the details garnered, Nadeem Babar resigned from his post after PM Imran Khan's instructions to leave his post due to a probe regarding the fuel crisis during June 2020 in the country.

Meanwhile, Secretary Petroleum Mian Asad Hayaud Din has been made OSD.

PM Imran Khan has directed his Special Assistant on Petroleum Nadeem Babar to step down from his post till an inquiry into the last year’s petroleum crisis concludes, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar announced.

Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood and Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar said that the FIA is being given mandate to conduct a forensic investigation and complete its report in 90 days.

The minister said the special assistant was asked to step down because the prime minister wanted to ensure transparency in investigation. "The petroleum secretary will also be told to leave his post and report to the establishment division," he added.

Asad Umar said that the laws will also be revisited in order to award strict punishment and fines to those behind the hoarding of petroleum products as well as those who lend support to them. He said the forensic audit is also aimed at identifying the government officials behind the petroleum crisis.

On the occasion, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood said the purpose behind the stepping down of Special Assistant on Petroleum is to ensure transparency in the investigation.