Pak's Finance Minister Asad Umar quits after PM Khan shifts him to energy ministry

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar abruptly quit the Cabinet Thursday in the middle of the negotiations to secure a crucial multi-billion dollar IMF bailout package for the cash-strapped country, amid mounting criticism over the handling of the economic crisis.

Umar, who recently returned from a trip to the US in which the details of Pakistan's next International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout were finalised, said he was asked to take the energy portfolio following a reshuffle in the Cabinet.

"As part of a cabinet reshuffle, prime minister desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance," said Umar, one of the close aides of the prime minister. "However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position."
Responding to a question, he said, "I was first told (about this portfolio change) last night."
Responding to a question, the finance minister defended his performance and said "Who says that I have failed in achieving what I wanted to achieve?"