ISLAMABAD, March 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has not directed Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat to resign after cancellation of his bail by the Supreme Court in a loan default case, a spokesman of Mr Hayat told Dawn on Tuesday.

The spokesman said the minister, who is currently visiting the UK, had neither resigned nor had been asked to do so. "There is no reason to resign from the cabinet as the matter regarding loan re-scheduling has been settled as per State Bank guidelines and in accordance with the law," he said.

The spokesman said Mr Hayat was expected to return in the third week of March and his visit had nothing to do with the dates of the apex court's order because the visit had been finalized some two months back.

He claimed that the Shah Jewna Textiles Mills, owned by Mr Hayat, had never been on default regarding loans from any bank or financial institution in the country. The Supreme Court has asked the Shah Jewna Textile Mills and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to submit the agreement reached between them in the accountability court for its finalization, the spokesman concluded.

Meanwhile, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, president of the ruling PML, telephoned Mr Hayat assuring his support in the provision of justice, the spokesman said.