The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government has expanded the federal cabinet with the induction of 24 new federal ministers, state ministers, and advisers. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
Oath Ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr
President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to the newly appointed cabinet members in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, and senior government officials.
The cabinet expansion saw the inclusion of 12 federal ministers, nine state ministers, and three advisers, integrating members from coalition parties into the government.
New Cabinet Members
Among those sworn in as federal ministers were Hanif Abbasi, Moeen Watto, Mustafa Kamal, Sardar Yousuf, Aurangzeb Katchi, Rana Mubashir, Raza Hayat Hiraj, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Shaza Fatima, Junaid Anwar, and Khalid Magsi also took their oaths as federal ministers.
Newly appointed state ministers included Talal Chaudhry, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Malik Rasheed, Kheal Das Kohistani, Abdul Rehman Kanju, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Mukhtar Bharath, Aun Chaudhry, and Wajiha Qamar.
Additionally, Muhammad Ali, Tauqir Shah, and Pervez Khattak were sworn in as special advisers.
Delays and Portfolio Assignments
While 27 officials were scheduled to take the oath, federal minister Imran Shah and state ministers Shezra and Armghan were unable to reach on time due to traffic congestion.
Reports suggest that some ministers may have their portfolios reassigned, while others could be replaced. Hanif Abbasi is expected to be named Minister for Railways, while Talal Chaudhry may take charge of the Ministry of National Health Services.
Khalid Magsi is likely to be given the Ministry of Communications, whereas Mustafa Kamal may be appointed Minister for Science and Technology. Currently, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui oversees both the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Federal Education, though he is expected to retain the education portfolio.
