In a significant shift from earlier promises of austerity, Pakistan’s federal cabinet has more than doubled in size, growing from 21 members to 43. The expansion includes 30 federal ministers, nine ministers of state, and four advisers, bringing the total size of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s team to 51, including eight special assistants to the prime minister (SAPMs).

The new cabinet members were sworn in during a ceremony held by President Asif Ali Zardari, which was attended by senior officials and parliamentarians. Among the new appointees are 12 federal ministers, nine ministers of state, and three advisers, in addition to four SAPMs, expanding the government’s reach.

This cabinet reshuffle also includes key political figures from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as well as allied parties, such as the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Notably, former PTI leader Pervez Khattak, who was once a prominent figure in Imran Khan’s party, has now joined the government.

While the new cabinet members have yet to be assigned portfolios, this expansion marks a clear departure from the government’s previous austerity stance. Despite earlier commitments to reducing government spending, this reshuffle suggests that political representation is taking precedence over fiscal discipline.

The reshuffle also highlights the political dynamics within the current coalition, as multiple parties have secured positions in the expanded cabinet. However, the size of the cabinet has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to controlling expenditures amidst ongoing economic challenges.