Cabinet continues to grow, despite 'devolution'

Two new ministers take oath as number swells to 63, provinces expected to get 5 ministries by first week December.

ISLAMABAD: Two new ministers took oath on Tuesday, as cabinet expansion preceded the upcoming devolution of five federal ministries to provinces.

Acting President and speaker of the National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza administered the oath taking of Khuda Bux Raja and Istaqbal Khan. Khan has been appointed as state minister and Rajar as federal minister, with portfolios to be announced at a later date.

The total number of ministers stands 63 after the new appointments.

The government, in a bid to increase provincial autonomy, has announced that five federal ministries will be transferred to provinces by the first week of December. The ministries to be transferred in the first phase include Zakat and Ashar, Youth Affairs, Special Initiatives, Rural Devolpment and Population & Welfare.