MQM-P's Mustafa Kamal among four others expected to join federal cabinet

Sources say expansion of federal cabinet has been finalised, with oath-taking ceremony set for Feb 27

By | |
MQM-Pakistan leader Mustafa Kamal talking to media in Karachi, on December 20, 2023. — INP
MQM-Pakistan leader Mustafa Kamal talking to media in Karachi, on December 20, 2023. — INP
  • Several ministers may see portfolio changes or be removed.
  • Hanif Abbasi, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry expected to get key ministries.
  • Education ministry to remain under Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet is set for expansion, with the inclusion of around 15 new ministers and advisers, insiders have revealed. 

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan's (MQM-P) Mustafa Kamal is among the four names considered for ministries, sources told The News reported on Tuesday. 

Others expected to join the cabinet include Hanif Abbasi and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Khalid Magsi from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

The sources indicated that some ministers may see their portfolios reassigned, while others could be removed altogether. The final decisions were reportedly made following discussions between the president and the prime minister.

According to sources, Abbasi may be appointed as the Minister for Railways, while Dr Chaudhry is expected to take charge of the Ministry of National Health Services. 

Magsi is likely to be given the Ministry of Communications, whereas Kamal may be assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology.

They said that the oath-taking ceremony for the new cabinet members is scheduled for 27 February.

Currently, the Ministry of Science and Technology is held by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who also oversees the Ministry of Federal Education. 

However, sources confirm that while Kamal may take over science and technology, Siddiqui will retain his position as Minister for Federal Education.