ISLAMABAD, 22 February 2007 — Minister of State for Privatization and Investment Omar Ghuman resigned late Tuesday night.

An important figure in Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s Cabinet, Ghuman confirmed to Arab News yesterday that he had resigned from the Federal Cabinet.

Omar's father Nisar Ghuman is a close friend of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Nisar has been negotiating between Musharraf and Pakistan People's Party chief Benazir Bhutto for rapprochement. Omar reportedly resigned due to some differences with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. “The prime minister has accepted my resignation,” Omar said.

Omar was instrumental in the signing of major investment deals with Middle East and Gulf states.