Fresh induction: New minister joins cabinet, taking total to 17

Mumtaz Jakhrani also happens to be a cousin of PPP MNA and former minister Aijaz Jakhrani.

KARACHI: The Sindh government has inducted another provincial minister into its cabinet, increasing the strength of the provincial cabinet to 17.

MPA Mumtaz Jakhrani, former taluka nazim of Jacobabad district, took oath at Governor House on Monday. Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan administrated the oath to him. Mumtaz Jakhrani, who also happens to be a cousin of PPP MNA and former federal minister Aijaz Jakhrani, is very active in local politics.

Several provincial cabinet members, MPAs and diplomats were present at the occasion. Though the provincial government has not decided about the portfolio of the newly appointed minister yet, there were reports that the department of labour would be given to him.



Speaking to The Express Tribune, the newly appointed minister pledged to work hard for the people of Jacobabad district which he described as a backward area. “I am a new-comer in the assembly and our leadership wants youngsters to play their part in the party and the government. I wish to set a new precedent by working hard in both arenas,” he said.

Earlier, the provincial government used to have around 45 ministers and more than one dozen advisors in the outgoing government. After the 18 Amendment, however, the provincial government is bound to limit the size of the provincial cabinet at 11 per cent of the total members of the assembly.

It means that the government may appoint 18 ministers and five advisors in its provincial setup.  Presently, there are 16 ministers and two advisors in the provincial government, apart from six special assistants and two coordinators, who are working under the command of chief minister.

Sources in the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party said that the cabinet might be extended in the next phase by inducting more ministers and advisors. The names of Hasnain Mirza, son of former Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza and Sajjid Jokhio, former minister for Zakat, are being considered for provincial ministers.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2013.