ISLAMABAD: After Tania Aidrus, Zafar Mirza also resigned the same day as special assistant to prime minister on Wednesday.

Sources said Zafar Mirza resigned for he feared he was going to be alleged of embroilment in hike of medicine prices. They said Prime Minister Imran Khan sought resignation from him upon failure to give a satisfactory answer on medicine price scandal.

In a tweet, Zafar Mirza said he came to Pakistan on a personal invitation of Imran Khan, leaving the World Health Organisation (WHO). He said he was satisfied that he left at a time when COVID-19 had declined in the country.

Also Read: Tania Aidrus resigns as PM’s aide citing controversy about her dual nationality

He said he resigned because of negative discussion about the role of SAPMs and criticism on the government. He said Pakistani people deserved a better health care. He said Pakistan will Insha Allah emerge out of COVID-19 with a stronger health care system.

“I have resigned as SAPM. I came to Pakistan on a personal invitation of @ImranKhanPTI leaving WHO. I worked hard & honestly. It was a privilege to serve Pakistan. I am satisfied that I leave at a time when COVID-19 has declined in Pakistan as a result of a grand national effort.

“Due to ongoing negative discussion about the role of SAPMs & criticism on the gov, I choose to resign. Pakistani people deserve a better health care. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. Pakistan will Inshallah emerge out of COVID-19 with a stronger health care system,” he tweeted.

In Apr the following year, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed had asked the federal government to remove the special assistant to prime minister on health, Zafar Mirza, from his post.

The top court CJ had said this while hearing a suo moto notice about the situation arising from coronavirus disease in Pakistan. He had expressed displeasure over the performance of Dr Zafar Mirza.

He had said he had serious reservations against the SAPM and his team regarding its dealing with the pandemic.