Tabish Gauhar’s resignation has been accepted by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

ISLAMABAD: Tabish Gauhar resigned as Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Power and Petroleum on Tuesday.

The premier has accepted his resignation, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat.

“The Prime Minister has been pleased to accept Tabish Gauhar’s resignation from the post of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power and Petroleum, with effect from September 20, 2021,” according to the statement.

The development comes after a schism between Gauhar and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi over the controversy surrounding the dry-docking of the Engro LNG terminal,

Furthermore, disagreements over the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline (PSGP) project, which will be built with Russia’s assistance, and Gauhar’s support for building the North-South Pipeline with the help of local gas companies, as well as constant bickering with some federal ministers, fueled the already raging fire.

Gauhar, who had limited himself to an advisory role a few weeks ago, did not stay long at operational-level official meetings.

Gauhar confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, “After a year of public service, I have decided to call it a day to return to my family.”

“It has been a lifetime privilege to serve the country in an honorary capacity to the best of my abilities. I will be eternally grateful to the Prime Minister for providing me with this opportunity “He continued.

Whilst the challenges in the energy sector are manifold, I have no doubt that under the able leadership of Hammad Azhar, the MOE team will continue to stay the course on structural reforms. May Allah continue to bless Pakistan – Ameen. (2/2)

— Tabish Gauhar (@TabishGauharPK) September 21, 2021

In response to a question about Pakistan’s energy sector, the ex-SAPM stated: “While the challenges in the energy sector are numerous, I have no doubt that the [Ministry of Energy] team will continue to stay the course on structural reforms under the capable leadership of Hammad Azhar. Ameen. May Allah continue to bless Pakistan.”

It is worth noting that Gauhar was appointed SAPM on Petroleum after Nadeem Babar resigned on the prime minister’s orders due to an investigation into the country’s petrol crisis in June 2020.