President Zardari finalises name of Shahabuddin for new PM

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has finalized the name of Makhdoom Shahabuddin for the next Prime Minister, sources said.

Meanwhile, Raja Pervez Ashraf will file nomination papers in the National Assembly before 2 pm on Thursday as a covering candidate for the PM slot, sources said.

Presently a member of the National Assembly (February 2008 onwards) and textiles minister, Shahabuddin has earlier held the portfolios of federal minister for finance and health in the Gilani-led government.

Coming from Punjab province's Rahim Yar Khan city, Shahabuddin has been politically affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).