ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet consisting of 19 members was sworn in on Monday at the Awan-e-Sadr, with President Asif Ali Zardari presiding over the ceremony.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recommended 19 individuals to President Zardari for inclusion in the federal cabinet, as per a summary submitted to the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Among those recommended for federal ministries under Article 92, Clause 1 of the Constitution are PML-N lawmakers Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Rana Tanveer, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Jam Kamal Khan, Amir Muqam, Awais Leghari, and Attaullah Tarar. Additionally, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party’s Abdul Aleem Khan are included.
Furthermore, Senators Ishaq Dar and Musadik Malik are recommended for appointment as federal ministers under Article 91, Clause 9 of the Constitution, as they will cease to be senators on March 12. This clause allows the prime minister to appoint individuals who are not members of parliament for a six-month period.
Three more names recommended for induction as federal ministers under Article 91, Clause 9 are Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Shaza Fatima is the sole woman recommended for inclusion in the federal cabinet. She is slated to take oath as a state minister under Article 92, Clause 1 of the Constitution, according to the summary.
Sources indicate that the prime minister initially plans to keep the cabinet small, with more ministers to be added in subsequent phases.
The swearing-in of the federal cabinet follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s oath-taking as the 24th premier of the country last week and President Zardari’s inauguration as head of state the day before, with all dignitaries present during the ceremony.
PM Shehbaz summons cabinet meeting:
Meanwhile, the premier has summoned the first meeting of the federal cabinet at 5pm today following the oath-taking ceremony.
The ministers will be handed over their portfolios once they take the oath of their respective offices.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
