Govt prepares for major re-shuffle in Federal Cabinet: Sources

ISLAMABAD: Preparations are reportedly underway for a large-scale reshuffle in the federal cabinet, with sources claiming that major changes could be introduced in key ministries as part of the government’s strategy for the next two and a half years.

According to sources, changes are being considered in the ministries of Interior, Finance, Maritime Affairs, and Defence. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is reportedly the leading candidate to take over the Finance Ministry while retaining his current position of Deputy Prime Minister.

Sources further claim that Mohsin Naqvi is the preferred choice for the Foreign Ministry and is expected to continue serving as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Rana Sanaullah and Azam Nazir Tarar are being considered for the Interior Ministry, with Senator Rana Sanaullah likely to be elevated from adviser to federal minister.

The government is also said to be planning a reduction in the size of the cabinet by limiting the number of ministries and divisions to 32.

Proposals under consideration include merging Maritime Affairs and Defence Production with the Defence Ministry, integrating the Culture Ministry into Information and Broadcasting, and formally placing Anti-Narcotics and Postal Services under the Interior and Communications ministries, respectively.

Sources say the performance review of cabinet members is ongoing, and ministers deemed to have underperformed could be removed.

New faces, including a woman minister, are expected to join the cabinet, with Bushra Butt, Senator Manzoor Kakar, Barrister Daniyal, and Babar Nawaz among the names being discussed.

The reported reshuffle is said to be aimed at strengthening the government’s position ahead of upcoming elections. Consultations between Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz are ongoing, while powerful quarters are also reportedly being kept on board through regular consultations.