Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, which the latter has tendered "on personal grounds". According to a press release issued from the Prime Minister House, Gilani formally accepted the resignation of Shaukat Tarin, after holding a meeting with him.

Tarin, however, would continue to work as Minister for Finance, Revenue, Planning and Economic Affairs till February 28. The Prime Minister appreciated the contribution of Shaukat Tarin in turning around the sliding national economy. He expressed hope that Tarin would continue to extend his valuable advice to the government as and when needed.

Tarin in his resignation said that he was resigning so as to focus on his family business, and he could not do so precisely since it would be a clear conflict of interests while serving as Minister for Finance, Planning, Revenue and Economic Affairs.

He, however, assured to extend his services and advice to the government when felt necessary. The Prime Minister said that in order to ensure continuity of the policies, the government would like to acquire the services of Shaukat Tarin in the National Economic Advisory Council.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2010