ISLAMABAD: The first batch of the caretaker cabinet members will take the oath today at 5 PM. The interim prime minister Anwarul Haq concluded consultations regarding the selection of his cabinet members. Several prominent figures were considered for important roles within the interim administration.
Sources have informed that former State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor Dr. Shamshad Akhtar and Dr. Waqar Masood are two strong candidates for the slot of finance minister. Furthermore, former foreign secretary Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani is under consideration for the interim foreign minister position.
Sources from the Prime Minister Secretariat have suggested that Dr. Gohar Ejaz, a notable textile industrialist and Chief Executive of Ejaz Group of Companies, is likely to be appointed as the interim federal minister for commerce and industries. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) confirmed that Dr. Ejaz would be taking the oath as the minister for commerce and industries today.
It has been revealed that defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali is being considered for the information ministry. Furthermore, Senator Sarfraz Bugti’s name is expected to be confirmed for the interior minister role. He has previously served as the minister of home and tribal affairs in Balochistan.
In addition, Jamal Shah, a showbiz celebrity and Dr. Naeem, former IG, are also among the candidates who are expected to take oath today.
Key Retained and Appointed Roles in the Interim Federal Cabinet
It has also been reported that the interim prime minister would retain three senior aides from Shehbaz Sharif’s team. The retired Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister (PSPM), Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, the former Advisor to the PM, Ahad Cheema, and the Joint Secretary, Mohib Ali, will retain their positions. Shah will serve as PSPM until October. After that, he will join the World Bank as group executive director of Pakistan for a four-year term. Cheema is expected to hold a position equivalent to a federal minister. The Press Secretary to the PM, Abdul Akbar, will also remain in office.
Moreover, Arshad Muneer Khan, who has been promoted to grade-21, will assume the role of principal information officer (PIO). Additionally, Military Secretary (MS) to the Prime Minister Brigadier Tajdeed Mumtaz will continue to fulfill his duties.
The caretaker federal cabinet is expected to be relatively small, consisting of reputable individuals. The interim prime minister is also expected to assign special tasks to his cabinet ministers based on their respective portfolios.
