While speaking to a private news channels hours after stepping down from the ministry, Asad Umar revealed the reasons for his removal. He said that he was neither 'disappointed nor sad' over PM Khan's decision and said that finance minister's job was the toughest after prime minister's.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel it [disappointment]. Since taking the job, I’ve worked my socks off, even my family says I’m burn out,” he said, adding that he feels more relaxed than he has ever been.
"You can't imagine how relaxed I am right now," he said, revealing that his stress-levels dropped significantly as soon as he heard the news of his removal.
When asked whether he considered his 8-month tenure a failure, Umar said that the time and journalists would decide that. He continued that the economy was in a better condition than it was when he took over.
He also revealed that PM Imran Khan wants a new team to come and 'change' things. On refusal to accept the energy portfolio, Umar said that he was never in it for 'posts and designations'. He also said that he would continue to serve the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) anyway he can.
Asad Umar stepped down as the finance minister on Thursday. The minister said that he was offered the energy portfolio but refused to accept it saying that he has received Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consent to not take any cabinet position.
“As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position. I strongly believe Imran Khan is the best hope for Pakistan and InshAllah will make a Naya Pakistan,” he said.