In a significant development for Pakistan’s governance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s newly appointed 19-member federal cabinet officially assumed their duties on Monday. The solemn oath-taking ceremony, presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari, marked the commencement of their responsibilities.
According to the established protocol outlined in Article 92 of the Pakistan constitution, President Zardari oversaw the appointment process, which was initiated following a summary submitted by the Prime Minister. The cabinet comprises 18 federal ministers and one minister of state, carefully selected from members of parliament.
A press release from the Information Ministry provided insights into the portfolio distribution within the federal cabinet. Notable appointments include:
- Khawaja Asif: Minister of Defence, Defence Production, and Aviation.
- Muhammad Aurangzeb: Minister of Finance, entrusted with managing the nation’s finances and economic policies.
- Mohsin Naqvi: Minister of Interior and Anti-Narcotics.
- Ishaq Dar: Minister of Foreign Affairs, expected to play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy.
- Musadik Malik: Minister of Energy and Petroleum, tasked with addressing the country’s energy needs.
- Atta Tarar: Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
- Ahsan Iqbal Chaudry: Minister of Planning.
- Azam Nazeer Tarar: Minister of Law and Justice.
- Rana Tanveer Hussain: Minister of Industries and Production.
- Chaudhry Salik Hussain: Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
- Abdul Aleem Khan: Minister of Privatisation and Board of Investment.
- Jam Kamal Khan: Minister of Commerce.
- Amir Muqam: Minister of States and Frontier Regions, National Heritage, and Culture.
- Awais Leghari: Minister of Railways.
- Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui: Minister of Science and Technology, Federal Education, and Professional Training.
- Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh: Minister of Maritime Affairs.
- Riaz Hussain Pirzada: Minister of Housing and Works.
- Ahad Khan Cheema: Minister of Economic Affairs and Establishment.
