Major changes in federal cabinet, bureaucracy on the cards

ISLAMABAD: A major reshuffle is on the cards in the federal cabinet and bureaucracy, sources privy to the development said on Monday.

"Major changes are expected in the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Board of Revenue," the sources said.

"A reshuffle is expected in the Ministry of Finance after talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conclude," they further said. "The head of FBR may be changed," the sources added.

A reshuffle is also expected in the Ministry of Petroleum.

Sources said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is also expected to appoint a minister of interior.

"It is further expected that the Punjab chief secretary might be changed as well," the sources continued.

However, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry denied reports regarding a major reshuffle in the federal cabinet and bureaucracy.

The information minister tweeted, "There is no truth in reports regarding changes in posts of federal ministers. The prime minister has the power to change ministers and the media should play a responsible role on this subject."

"Pakistan is going through an important phase and such speculations create confusion which is not beneficial for the country," he added.

Speaking to the media, Chaudhry said, "No minister is being replaced. Prime Minister Imran Khan has sent a message that reports about changes in the ministries were incorrect."

"The reports on performance of ministers have been forwarded to the PM House," he stated and added that "ministers are on their posts because the prime minister is satisfied with them."

 Changes of this sort will be announced, he further said.

Govt refutes reports of Asad Umar's removal, major changes in cabinet

No minister is being replaced, says Fawad Chaudhry

"The finance minister is returning after holding discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Asad Umar will brief on talks with IMF once he returns," he added. "In the next two days, big news is expected pertaining to the economy."

Chaudhry further said, "Pakistan is headed towards being a solid economy. Solid development is also emerging on the FATF matter."

The PM House spokesperson also denied the reports and said, "It is the prime minister's privilege to change any minister, however, at this time there is no truth in reports regarding replacing one or two ministers."

"The premier keep inquiring about the performance of ministers during federal cabinet meetings," he added.

Sources in the Prime Minister Office said that reports have been received on the performance of ministers and will be presented during a federal cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

All ministries were given two weeks to prepare quarterly reports and they will all be given 30 minutes to present their performance reports during the federal cabinet meeting, sources said. "The premier will make decisions regarding changed and transfers after looking at the performance reports," they added.