ISLAMABAD: Shaukat Tarin, a Former Finance Minister and banker is given the most arduous task of mending the economy, with explaining what the government is doing, second most tough job of Information Minister is given to Fawad Chauhdry.
Omar Ayub is given Economic Affairs job taking form his another tough energy ministry and given to Hammad Azhar, the better young batsman of Khan’s team. Khusro Bakhtiar the sugar lobby baron is given industries ministry. Shibli Faraz is given the assignment of Science & Technology ministry.
Shaukat Tarin has already replaced Hafeez Shaikh, now he did it again. Hafeez Shaikh had replaced Asad Omar. The replacements in the Khan’s government is a routine now.
The changes are at a time when the next elections are drawing closer and the performance of the team is not up to the ark, though struggling to get ahead in Covid crisis.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan has formally handed over the Ministry of Information to federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, Special Assistant to PM on Political Communication. Chaudhry was a popular figure due to his political consciousness, intelligence, and people-friendly style.
This is the second time Chaudhry has been given the portfolio in 2.5 years. The first time was in August 2018. Subsequently, in April 2019, he was handed the science and technology ministry. It is not clear whether he will remain the minister for science and technology.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan was appointed the special assistant to PM on information and broadcasting after Chaudhry, but was replaced with Senator Shibli Faraz in April, 2020. After the Senate elections, Prime Minister Imran Khan made several changes to the cabinet and giving additional charge to Chaudhry of the information ministry was one of them.
Shortly after Khan congratulatory tweet, it was reported that Chaudhry called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. The two reportedly discussed the political situation in the country. PM Khan informed Chaudhry about giving him additional responsibilities.