“I have thought of resigning”: Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh laments bureaucratic hurdles

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has expressed serious frustration over delays in government affairs, saying he has repeatedly

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has expressed serious frustration over delays in government affairs, saying he has repeatedly considered resigning because of his inability to get his initiatives implemented despite working long hours. The minister also claimed that during the past two-and-a-half years, he had not been able to secure even a single minute of direct meeting time with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a statement that has gained widespread attention on social media, Sheikh said he was under considerable stress because his efforts were not producing the desired results. He said that despite working from morning until evening, several initiatives he attempted to move forward were facing obstacles within the government system.

“Whenever I try to take something forward, no bureaucrat takes any action,” Sheikh said, expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of cooperation from officials.

The minister further highlighted what he portrayed as a significant communication gap between members of the federal cabinet and the top leadership. He said he had been unable to meet the Prime Minister even for one minute during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.

“In 2.5 years, I haven’t even been able to get a single minute with the Prime Minister,” Sheikh said.

Despite his frustration, the federal minister indicated that he remained hopeful that the situation could improve. He said he would either be able to achieve some tangible results or ultimately leave his position.

“InshaAllah, either some result will come out, or I will quit,” he said.

Sheikh’s remarks have triggered discussion on social media and among political circles about bureaucratic delays, administrative coordination and the ability of federal ministers to implement policy decisions.

His comments have also drawn attention to the relationship between elected representatives and the civil bureaucracy, particularly when ministers attempt to introduce or execute new initiatives. Bureaucratic procedures are often necessary for administrative oversight, but delays in decision-making can affect the implementation of government policies and public-facing projects.

Political observers have described the minister’s public expression of frustration as unusual, particularly because he is a sitting member of the federal cabinet. They said the statement could point towards broader concerns regarding coordination, communication and implementation within the federal government.

The minister’s comments have also raised questions about the extent to which cabinet members have direct access to the Prime Minister for discussing policy matters and resolving administrative hurdles. However, no detailed explanation has so far emerged regarding the circumstances behind Sheikh’s claim about not being able to meet the Prime Minister.

The remarks come amid continuing discussions over government performance, administrative efficiency and the role of bureaucracy in implementing decisions taken by elected officials.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not issued an official response to Sheikh’s statement so far. It also remains unclear whether the minister has formally submitted a resignation or whether his remarks were intended as an expression of frustration over the difficulties he says he has faced in carrying out his responsibilities.

Sheikh’s statement is likely to keep the debate alive over bureaucratic hurdles, cabinet coordination and the implementation of government initiatives in the federal system.