Speculation rife over Hafeez Shaikh's future in Sindh

Sources say that PPP and MQM have agreed on induction of Dr Shaikh.

KARACHI: Speculation is rife that Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh is being given an important position in Sindh following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's resistance to his appointment as caretaker prime minister.

Shaikh stepped down as federal finance minister on Tuesday.

Reports from several sources suggest that Shaikh would be appointed caretaker chief minister of the province.

According to sources, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the current opposition party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have agreed on Dr Shaikh's prospective appointment.

The MQM leadership has cordial relations with Shaikh, who belongs to Jacobabad and worked with them during the Musharraf regime as a provincial and federal minister.

Though no party leader confirmed his nomination on the record, a senior PPP leader familiar with the issue told The Express Tribune that the MQM has also given its approval for the government’s proposal to appoint Shaikh as caretaker CM and the final decision will be made shortly.

Under the 18th Amendment of the Constitution the chief minister is required to consult the opposition leader on appointing a caretaker chief minister.