Miftah Ismael says will send notice to PML-N MNA for ‘levelling false allegations’
Ex-finance minister says for first time in history FM made sugar board head
Former finance minister Miftah Ismael said on Monday that a PML-N senator and an MNA levelled baseless allegations against him, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said that if they had proof against him, they should present it. “The reason why they made false accusations against me is that I always speak the truth about them,” he added.
The ex-minister said it was for the first time in the country’s history that a foreign minister (FM) had been made the head of the Sugar Advisory Committee. “Why does not Anusha Bibi object to making Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar the Sugar Board chairman?” he questioned.
“It was when Dar took over as the Board chairman that he allowed the export of sugar,” Miftah said, adding, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif owns two sugar mills. How did Anusha overlook the fact?”
He further said that time and again he raised his voice against an increase in electricity prices. “Was I responsible for overbilling? Those responsible must be taken to task,” he demanded.
The ex-minister went on to say that the farmers should not pin hopes on the PML-N government.
He, on the occasion, announced he was sending a notice to PML-N MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. “Either he seeks an apology from me or else I will take him to court.”
Three days ago, former federal minister for finance Miftah Ismail’s alleged involvement in awarding illegal contract to his own company raised alarm in Senate when Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented details of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP).
During the Senate meeting, Tariq Fazal Ch presented details of the BNP Programme during 2020-2021. He said under the BNP Programme, Rs 2.098 billion were allocated in the financial year 2020-21 and Rs 4.870 billion were allocated in the financial year 2021-22.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Ch said the then Finance Minister Miftah Ismail awarded the contract to Ismail Industries. Presiding Officer Irfanul Haq Siddiqui referred the matter to the relevant committee.