In a letter, a copy of which is available with The Friday Times -- Naya Daur, Ismail said he desired to resign with "immediate effect". He expressed gratitude for being presented the opportunity to serve the nation. This, he said, was both: an honour and a privilege. Ismail concluded his letter by urging the PM to accept his resignation.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had decided to appoint party heavyweight Ishaq Dar as finance minister, according to a report published by Geo News on Saturday. The decision was taken in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz and party supremo Nawaz Sharif in London. The media house claimed that Dar was set to take charge on Tuesday. Ismail will continue to remain a part of the government's economic team.
Dar, who was earlier residing in London, had earlier said he would immediately take oath as senator on his return to Pakistan. He added he will perform whatever duty was assigned to him by party leadership.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had said in a Lahore press conference the same day that Dar would return and facilitate the government’s economic team. Talking about Nawaz’s return to Pakistan, Sanaullah said that the former prime minister has accepted the party’s request to to lead the party’s election campaign next year. "Nawaz Sharif will be in Pakistan whenever elections happen," he said.