CM Sindh approves cabinet reshuffle

Khuhro reallotted education ministry after Bijarani refused to take charge

KARACHI: Days after senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani refused to take charge of Sindh ministry of education, the portfolio was reallotted to former education minister, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, as the Sindh chief minister approved the reshuffling of cabinet.

Bijarani, who earlier had the portfolio of Works and Services, had refused to take charge of the education ministry saying he cannot work with the ‘influential’ secretary of the department, Fazlullah Pechuho, who also happens to be a brother-in-law of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari.

“It is difficult to work with the incumbent secretary of the department,” sources said, quoting Bijarani registering complaints with the chief minister.

Read: Missing education minister: Unwilling to share the reins

After Bijarani’s refusal, Khuhro was reallotted the portfolio of education in addition to the information ministry.

Further, Provincial Minister for Finance, Energy and Planning & Development Murad Ali Shah has been given the additional charge of irrigation ministry. The portfolio was earlier given to Khuhro.

Meanwhile, former Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has been given charge of ministries of Works & Services and Archives.

Tariq Masood has been given the portfolio of katchi abadis and spatial development. The ministry had fell vacant after PPP MNA from Lyari Javed Nagori resigned last week. According to officials, Nagori was asked to resign on PPP MNA Faryal Talpur’s orders.

Read: Javed Nagori resigns from ministry 

While the spokesperson for CM House stated his poor health condition as the reason for the demand for resignation, sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune that the coveted post of secretary-general of Karachi division and tickets for the upcoming local government election were the bone of contention.