Federal Cabinet
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday that the federal cabinet would be finalized within the next 48 hours, withholding the names of potential candidates for key positions.
Tarar emphasized the importance of avoiding premature confirmation, assuring that the public would be informed once the selections were official.
Reports suggest that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has concluded consultations with close aides to shape the federal cabinet and determine key ministries.
Sources indicate that prominent PML-N figures, Khawaja Asif and Ishaq Dar, may assume roles in defense and foreign affairs, as well as finance, respectively. Renowned banker Muhammad Aurangzeb is also expected to be appointed to a significant position.
Ahsan Iqbal, PML-N’s Secretary General, is likely to oversee the ministries of planning, development, and privatization. At the same time, Attaullah Tarar might be entrusted with the information and broadcasting ministry, while Rana Sanaullah could become the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on interior affairs.
Tarar acknowledged media speculations about the potential finance minister candidates, including Muhammad Aurangzeb, Shamshad Akhtar, and Ishaq Dar.
He stressed the critical role of the finance ministry in reviving the economy and advancing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
While Tarar did not confirm the ministries assigned to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), he mentioned that the party had been invited to a dinner with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, indicating that the details would be resolved soon.
Sources also suggest that MQM-P members, Mustafa Kamal, Faisal Sabzwari, and Dr. Farooq Sattar, are potential candidates for ministries related to science and technology, ports and shipping, and overseas Pakistanis, respectively.
The unfolding developments highlight the intricate process of forming the federal cabinet and the strategic considerations involved in assigning key portfolios.
