March 11, 2024
1 min read

PML-N leader Ishaq Dar out of Finance minister race

Following discussions with his brother, Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif finalised the members for the federal cabinet….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Ishaq Dar is out of the race to become the new Finance Minister, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Following discussions with his brother, Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif finalised the members for the federal cabinet.

Ishaq Dar, a four-time Finance Minister considered close to the Sharif family, will take over as the Foreign Minister, according to ARY News.

However, the ruling party is yet to finalise its pick for the Finance Ministry, the report said, adding that the holder of the portfolio will have to get down to task and lead an immediate effort to negotiate a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

Notably, Pakistan has a narrow path to recovery as the current IMF agreement expires on April 11.

According to sources, renowned bankers Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan and Shamshad Akhtar are likely to become advisers to the Prime Minister on finance and revenue.

According to reports, Akhtar was an integral part of the recent caretaker government, which was praised by the IMF for “decisive policy efforts” to maintain stability.

Meanwhile, ARY News reported, citing sources that Khawaja Muhammad Asif would retain charge of the Defence Ministry.

Ahsan Iqbal is also in line to become the Planning Minister while Ataullah Tarar and Musadik Malik could take over the Information and Energy portfolios.

Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tariq Fatemi are likely to be named advisers and special assistants on foreign affairs, according to the report.

Former Punjab chief minister Mohsin Naqvi will be appointed adviser to the interior ministry, the report claimed.

Significantly, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a key ally in the coalition government, had expressed opposition to the appointment of Ishaq Dar as the Finance Minister, ARY News reported.

Earlier, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif directed PM Shehbaz Sharif to keep the federal cabinet small in the initial phase, reported ARY News.

During a meeting on Sunday, PM Shehbaz Sharif tabled the proposed names for the federal cabinet. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Zardari Sworn in as Pakistan’s 14th President

Previous Story

BJP MP seeks majority to remove “secular” from preamble

Next Story

‘Balochistan cabinet to be finalised within two weeks’

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan asks Taliban to review ban on varsity education for girls

On Tuesday, Taliban-run Higher Education Ministry had announced that female

Pakistan President says Gwadar, Jebel Ali ports complement international trade

The Gwadar Port and Jebel Ali Port can only “complement