An imminent federal cabinet expansion is expected, with the consensus among senior PML-N leadership confirming that Nawaz Sharif, the party’s supremo, has already approved the new appointments. According to Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the expansion has been given the green light by Nawaz Sharif, while other party officials shared with Business Recorder that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is still awaiting final approval from Nawaz Sharif before proceeding with the cabinet changes.
Sources close to the matter revealed that there is little opposition to the expansion, as it aims to strengthen the political influence of the ruling elite within their constituencies. It is understood that the expansion is designed to address the demands of coalition partners and other key political figures, ensuring smoother governance as Pakistan navigates its complex political landscape.
New Cabinet Members and Ministerial Appointments
The cabinet expansion is set to include approximately nine or ten new members, including ministers and advisers. The rationale behind the move is to accommodate the growing demands of coalition partners, some of whom have become increasingly vocal about their roles in the government. Additionally, the expansion will allow ministers who are currently managing multiple portfolios to relinquish some of their responsibilities, allowing them to focus on key areas of governance.
Prominent PML-N figures, including those who previously defected from PTI, are lobbying for ministerial positions. These figures include Hanif Abbasi, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Barrister Daniyal, Talal Chaudhry, Malik Sohail Khan Kamrial, and PTI defectors Aurangzeb Khan Ghichi and Alamzeb Khan. However, notable names from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) do not feature in the cabinet expansion discussions, as the PPP has reportedly declined any cabinet positions despite being part of the ruling coalition.
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A senior PPP official explained that the party’s stance remains unchanged, prioritizing public relief over political appointments. The PPP believes that joining the cabinet would limit its ability to critique the government effectively. This sentiment is particularly evident in PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s criticisms of the government, including its curbs on social media and internet restrictions, and its perceived failure to honor political agreements in Punjab. Additionally, PPP member Shazia Marri has voiced concerns about the government’s lack of consultation with the party on key decisions, particularly the failure to convene a Council of Common Interest meeting.
Public Sentiment on Cabinet Expansion
An informal survey conducted by Business Recorder revealed that the general public, particularly those in the private sector, are unlikely to support an expansion of the cabinet. Many workers in the private sector are struggling with stagnant wages amidst persistent inflation, and they view an expanded cabinet as a symbol of excessive government spending. Despite inflation rates slightly decreasing, economic hardships continue to dominate daily life for many Pakistanis, leading to skepticism regarding the government’s decision to add more ministers and advisers.
However, some senior PML-N leaders have dismissed concerns about the expansion contradicting the government’s austerity measures. They argue that most ministers and advisers do not receive salaries, and cabinet members are operating with restricted official vehicle allowances and limited fuel allowances. This justification aims to counter accusations that the expansion would exacerbate financial strain during tough economic times.
Performance-Based Expansion and Future Prospects
According to reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that any cabinet expansion will be based on performance. This suggests that those being appointed to new roles must demonstrate a capacity for governance and efficiency. While the exact timeline for the expansion remains uncertain, it is expected to happen soon, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, however, has advised against the expansion, cautioning that it could undermine the government’s commitment to austerity. He recommended appointing advisers rather than full ministers, given that the constitution allows for a maximum of four advisers. This recommendation suggests that the government could seek a compromise by expanding the advisory roles rather than directly increasing the number of ministers.
Some senior PML-N leaders also argued that the government’s performance has been hindered by a limited number of ministers handling multiple portfolios. By expanding the cabinet, the leadership believes that it can improve governance and better address the country’s pressing issues, including economic challenges and administrative inefficiencies.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the cabinet expansion will proceed as planned, and whether it will be embraced by the public or criticized as a political maneuver. Regardless, it is clear that the ruling party is determined to maintain control over the political narrative while navigating the complex demands of its coalition partners and key political figures.
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