ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the 19-member federal cabinet took the oath of office on Monday at Awan-e-Sadr, with President Asif Ali Zardari administering the swearing-in ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony came a week after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assumed office as the 24th premier, and President Zardari took the oath as the head of state.
The premier recommended 19 names for induction into the federal cabinet, according to a summary forwarded to the Aiwan-e-Sadr earlier today. The list includes prominent figures from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as well as representatives from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).
Key Recommendations for Federal Ministries
Khawaja Asif (PML-N): Defence
Ahsan Iqbal (PML-N): Planning
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh (PML-N)
Riaz Hussain Pirzada (PML-N)
Rana Tanveer (PML-N)
Azam Nazeer Tarar (PML-N): Law
Jam Kamal Khan (PML-N)
Amir Muqam (PML-N)
Awais Leghari (PML-N)
Attaullah Tarar (PML-N): Information and Broadcasting
Abdul Aleem Khan (IPP)
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui (MQM-P)
Ishaq Dar (PML-N): Foreign Affairs
Musadik Malik (PML-N): Petroleum
Muhammad Aurangzeb: Finance
Ahad Khan Cheema: Establishment Division
Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi: Interior
Shaza Fatima (PML-N): Information Technology and Telecommunication
The oath-taking ceremony was marked by the diverse portfolios assigned to the nominated individuals, ranging from defence and law to finance and interior.
PM Shehbaz’s Strategic Approach
Sources indicate that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initially opted for a small cabinet, with further inductions planned for a later phase. This measured approach aims to enhance efficiency and streamline decision-making processes within the federal government.
First Federal Cabinet Meeting
In tandem with the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz has summoned the first meeting of the federal cabinet at 5 PM today. During this meeting, the ministers will be allocated their respective portfolios, marking the formal commencement of their roles in the new federal administration.
As the federal cabinet embarks on its journey, the diverse skill set and experience of its members reflect a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. The cabinet’s maiden meeting holds promise for outlining key policy initiatives and setting the tone for the government’s governance strategy in the coming months.
