Consultations underway for federal cabinet’s formation

PPP not interested in federal ministers; wants seats of president, NA speaker, Senate chairman

The new coalition government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is faced with the crucial and hectic task of filling important positions in the federal cabinet, as Tuesday saw a number of meetings between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the allied parties.
According to reports, Shehbaz held important consultations with the leadership of the allied parties for the purpose. The meetings were held with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Dr. Khalid Magsi, Shah Zain Bugti and Aslam Bhotani. During the meetings, Shehbaz individually expressed his gratitude to the leaders and their members of the National Assembly for supporting him during his nomination and subsequent election, the PM’s Office said in a statement.

The prime minister said that they would move ahead with the same confidence and passion. He said that they would fulfil the promises made to the nation and resolve all issues through consultations.

However, the PPP seems to be interested in the seats of the president, National Assembly speaker and Senate chairman in the new coalition set-up. According to reports, the PPP is not interested in federal ministers and has instead demanded three federal positions.

A good majority of PPP leaders also supported the idea of an electoral alliance for the next general elections. Reports revealed that the PML-N is trying to convince Bilawal to accept its offer; however, a final decision in this regard is expected in a few days.

On the other hand, PPP leader Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood is likely to become the new Punjab governor.

According to reports, Ahmed Mehmood is the hot favourite for the Punjab governorship, as former information minister and PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira had excused himself from taking the post.