16 names shortlisted for cabinet posts
New interim prime minister Anwaarul haq Kakar is seen in this undated handout photograph obtained on August 12, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The caretaker government has shortlisted the names of 16 individuals to be taken in the first round of the federal cabinet, sources said on Tuesday.
The new cabinet members are expected to be sworn in soon.
Insiders have revealed that columnist Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema, industrialist Gohar Ejaz, veteran civil servant Shoaib Suddle, and Senator Sarfaraz Bugti have all been confirmed to join the caretaker federal cabinet.
In addition, Mohammad Ali is set to be given the energy ministry portfolio, while cricketer Shahid Afridi will serve as the federal minister in charge of inter-provincial coordination.
Sources suggest that Dr Waqar Masood's name is being considered for the position of caretaker finance minister.
The development came as Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has reportedly intensified the consultation process for appointing individuals to the interim cabinet.
According to sources, the caretaker prime minister has chosen to have a smaller cabinet and personally review the profiles of all potential candidates.