Dr Farrukh is a well-known commentator on fiscal affairs and backs his argument with solid facts and figures which lend authenticity to his viewpoint. He had also, preferably instead of the finance ministry, twitter-trumpeted the appointment of Dr Farrukh on October 9 last as the government spokesperson on economy and energy affairs. But the required formal notification was never made, with the good doctor quietly carrying out his duties of essentially defending the government’s economic policies, and attending meetings held in the prime minister’s house till December 24, 2018. The media minister’s latest ‘disowning’ tweet, which pins Dr Farrukh’s non-appointment to the prime minister’s current non-hiring policy, clarifies, but not simplifies, the crucial matter. A detailed official rejoinder to Dr Farrukh’s considered apprehensions regarding the present state of the economy is essential, as ‘the patient seems to be scarcely breathing’.

Source: Pakistan Today January 04, 2019 16:07 UTC