Shamshad Akhtar clarifies statement on job decision

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar has issued a clarification regarding her previous comments about her decision to join the cabinet, stating that her remarks were “misinterpreted.”

In a video statement, Akhtar explained that when she mentioned people questioning her choice to become the Finance Minister during challenging times, her intention was to address the inquiries she often receives. She emphasized that she considers it an honor to serve Pakistan during this critical period.

The clarification was disseminated as a video by Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on the former Twitter platform, X.

The statement by Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Finance Minister of Pakistan.
According to her a light vein comment was blown out of proportion forcing her to clarify. pic.twitter.com/tyIyI5VIrr

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) August 30, 2023

Earlier reports had indicated that Akhtar, addressing the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance, remarked that she occasionally reflects on her decision to take the role, though she added that the comment was made in a lighthearted manner.

Furthermore, Akhtar informed the committee that the economic situation was more challenging than her initial expectations and assured that the caretaker government would present a roadmap in the near future.

Economic situation ‘worse than anticipated’, says Shamshad Akhtar