Samsam Bukhari loses information ministry in Punjab cabinet reshuffle

Samsam Bukhari took over information, culture ministry in March; cabinet changes come day after PM's Lahore visit

LAHORE: Recently appointed information minister Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari was removed from his post on Friday as Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced a reshuffle in the provincial cabinet.

As per a notification, Bukhari, who was handed the information and culture portfolio just four months ago in March, will now serve in the Consolidation of Holdings Department.

Bukhari had been appointed information minister after Fayyaz Chohan was removed from the Punjab cabinet over his derogatory remarks against the Hindu community.

Meanwhile, Mian Aslam Iqbal, the provincial minister for industries, commerce and investment, has been given additional charge of the information and culture ministry.

Another change is the withdrawal of the tourism portfolio from Yasir Humayun, who will continue to serve as the minister for higher education.

The tourism ministry has been assigned to Taimur Khan who will also manage the youth affairs, sports and archaeology portfolios.



CM Buzdar has also taken away the Social Welfare and Baitul Maal portfolio from Muhammad Ajmal, who will now serve on the Chief Minister's Inspection Team.

Punjab Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Raja Basharat has been given additional charge of the social welfare department.

The cabinet reshuffle was notified just a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Lahore and held meetings with CM Buzdar and Governor Chaudhry Sarwar.