Maryam Nawaz expands Punjab cabinet with 12 new ministers

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the expansion of the provincial cabinet, which will include 12 new ministers, as reported by party sources, Express News reported.

Currently, the provincial cabinet consists of 16 members, including five special assistants. The decision to add a dozen new ministers follows approval from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Nawaz Sharif, who authorised the inclusion of the new members in the provincial cabinet.

According to sources, the newly appointed ministers will consist of both senior and junior members of the provincial assembly. Among those shortlisted for cabinet positions are prominent figures such as Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz, Rana Muhammad Iqbal, and Munsah Allah Butt.

Additionally, former military official Colonel (retd) Ayub Gadhi, Salman Naeem, Rana Tahir Iqbal, Iftikhar Hussain Chhachar, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Malik Asad Ali Khokhar, Mian Imran Javed, and Osama Khan Laghari have also been shortlisted for cabinet positions.

The list also includes Shoaib Siddiqui from IPP, who has been selected for inclusion in the cabinet. The new cabinet members are expected to take their oaths later this week.