ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is likely to expand within the next two days.
A private newspaper, citing its sources, reported that the oath-taking ceremony for new federal ministers is expected to take place on February 27 or 28 at the President House.
Sources say members from the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan will be part of this expansion, with their names already finalized.
From PML-N, National Assembly members Hanif Abbasi, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Talal Chaudhry, Afzal Khokhar, Abdul Rahman Kanju, Sardar Yusuf, Romina Khurshid Alam, Raza Hiyat Haraj, Chaudhry Riaz, and Nosheen Iftikhar from Sialkot are set to join the cabinet.
According to sources, Hanif Abbasi may be assigned the Ministry of Railways, while Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry could get the Ministry of National Health.
Dr. Tauqir Shah is expected to be appointed as an adviser to the prime minister. Abdul Rahman Kanju and Sardar Yusuf have previously served as federal ministers in the last government.
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From MQM Pakistan, National Assembly member Mustafa Kamal, Barrister Aqeel, and Huzaifa Rahman will also join the cabinet. Sources indicate that Mustafa Kamal might be given the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Currently, this ministry is held by MQM Pakistan Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who also manages the Ministry of Education. Sources say the Ministry of Education will remain with him. Additionally, Khalid Magsi is likely to be assigned the Ministry of Communications.
Consultations between the ruling PML-N and its allied parties regarding cabinet inclusion have been completed, and there is agreement on the new ministers’ names.
The purpose of this expansion is to strengthen the government and address public issues through key ministries. After the oath-taking ceremony, the new ministers will take up their responsibilities according to their assigned portfolios.
