ISLAMABAD. Three federal and one state minister were sworn into Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s federal cabinet on Friday, which swell to 41, with President Arif Alvi back to work after skipping two earlier ceremonies because of “medical reasons”.

PML-Q’s Chaudhry Saalik, BNP’s Agha Hassan, and PML-N’s Javed Latif were sworn in as the federal ministers in a ceremony at the President’s House in Islamabad. Moreover, BNP leader Muhammad Hashim Notezai was sworn in as a state minister.

Portfolios

• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority charge, at a level of federal minister – PML-Q’s Chaudhry Salik
• Science and Technology Ministry – BNP’s Agha Hassan Baloch
• Power Division – BNP’s Muhammad Hashmi Notezai

BNP leader Agha Hassan, who got the science ministry, has a background of political science and and is a practicing a lawyer.

Moreover, his fellow party member Muhammad Hashim Notezai, who got the power division portfolio, belongs to Nokundi and is a businessman.

It is hoped that Notezai’s appointment might help end power outages in his home town, which is facing shortage of up to 10 hours in a day.

It is noted that the BNP had refused to join the federal cabinet in protest against the Chagai incident. In an interview with Aaj News show Spotlight, Akhtar Mengal had said he would join the cabinet once the government forms a judicial commission on the incident.

Days after April 19, when the first phase of the cabinet was formed, the BNP chief had a couple of meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif which apparently break the ice between the two sides. According to reports, the premier has assured the BNP of forming a commission on the issue within 10 days.

It is pertinent to mention that the BNP, who has been raising voice for Balochistan rights, has not been given CPEC charge and maritime ministry that has a direct link to the province’s issues. Over the past many months, Gwadar’s fisherfolk have been protesting over fishing rights given to trawlers.

Moreover, Chaudhry Salik’s entry into PM Shehbaz’s cabinet has further bared the fissures within the PML-Q. However, the Q-league has maintained that all party’s decisions are taken by chief Chaudhry Shujaat – including Parvez Elahi’s nomination for Punjab chief minister seat.

In addition to this, Javed Latif, who is regarded as an outspoken leader in the party, is part of the Maryam Nawaz camp within the PML-N.

New members join cabinet

Earlier, Aaj News while citing sources had reported that three federal and one state minister will join Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 37-member federal cabinet on Friday (today).**

They include Chaudhry Salik, who is the son of former premier Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, PML-N’s Javed Latif, and BNP’s Agha Hassan.

According to sources, BNP’s Hassan would get the science and technology ministry while his party fellow Muhammad Hashim Notezai would be sworn in as state minister.

Read more: Confident coalition cabinet will set aside differences, work together: PM

President Alvi, govt ends ‘distrust’

President Arif Alvi and the federal government have decided to end the “distrust” between them and open a way for constitutional business.

Sources said that President Alvi has decided to perform the usual constitutional responsibilities and would administer the oath of office to four ministers – including three federal and one state – on Friday.

The development comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Alvi on Wednesday after the cabinet meeting. It is pertinent to mention that Alvi had not administered the oath of office to PM Shehbaz and his 37-member cabinet.