Non-Elected Advisers Proved ‘Portents of Trouble’ For Imran Khan

Ever since Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed power in 2018, the non-elected special advisers he appointed proved as ‘portents of trouble’ for him. Imran Khan had rolled up his sleeves against corruption since becoming the premier. But interestingly, most of his aides fell prey to his slogan of accountability.

A number of non-elected SAPMs have been accused of reaping advantages and alleged abuse of power since PTI came in power in 2018.

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Zulfi Bukhari steps down

The latest one is the Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari who resigned after his alleged involvement in the Rawalpindi Ring Road scam.

But, he has assured of not going anywhere and facing the inquiry.

میں کہیں نہیں جاؤں گا پاکستان میں ہی رہوں گا اگر کوئی شک ہے کہ میں بھاگ جاؤں گا تو میرا نام ای سی ایل پر ڈال دیں میں نے وزیراعظم سے کہا ہے کہ میرے خلاف سپریم کورٹ کے ججوں سے انکوائری کرائیں ۔۔۔ زلفی بخاری نیب کی بجائے سپریم کورٹ سے انکوائری کرانا زیادہ بہتر سمجھتے ہیں pic.twitter.com/tIHpOKJJ8z

— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) May 19, 2021

Beginning of series

The first such case appeared in July 2020 when SAPMs on Health Dr Zafar Mirza and SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus stepped down over dual citizenship.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had also announced to initiate an inquiry against Dr Mirza in alleged involvement in the smuggling of 20 million masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Fuel siphoned off in wrong barrels

SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar had to resign in March this year after he was charged with benefitting from the fuel crisis in the country in June 2020.

He was asked to step down from the post until the completion of probe by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Friend becomes foe

Jehangir Khan Tareen was a close aide to Imran Khan and even sat in the cabinet meetings without being part of the government.

But, he was named in the sugar crisis in an inquiry report published at the start of 2021. After this, the premier had to distance himself from one of his close friends and he now facing trial.

Accountability foreman accused of kickbacks

Shehzad Akbar, SAPM on Accountability, was also accused of filling pockets with commissions from Broadsheet LLC.

However, he had served a defamation notice to PML-N’s Azma Bukhari for leveling wrong allegations.

Exchequer overseer swayed from protecting interests

The last Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh was promoted to a minister from SAPM through a special provision of the constitution for six months.

However, he could not win a seat in the Senate election in March.

After his resignation in March this year, it was alleged that the ex-minister had compromised Pakistan’s position in $6 billion bailout deal with International Monetary Fund (IMF).