Pakistan PM Sharif picks Muhammad Aurangzeb, CEO of HBL bank, in new cabinet

The undated photo shows CEO of Pakistan’s largest bank, HBL bank, Muhammad Aurangzeb. (Online)
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Updated 11 March 2024
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Pakistan PM Sharif picks Muhammad Aurangzeb, CEO of HBL bank, in new cabinet

  • Aurangzeb will likely be given the portfolio of finance minister
  • Aurangzeb picked over four-time finance minister Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: The CEO of Pakistan’s largest bank was picked as a federal minister, according to a government document seen by Reuters, and sources said he was set to be appointed finance minister in a new cabinet that will take the oath on Monday.

The South Asian nation, beset by economic and political crises, held inconclusive national elections last month that did not give any party a majority, after which a coalition alliance elected Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister for a second time last week.

Sharif has included Muhammad Aurangzeb, chief executive officer of HBL bank (HBL.PSX), opens new tab, in the cabinet and he will be given the portfolio of finance minister, according to two sources — one in Sharif’s party and the other in the prime minister’s office.

Aurangzeb was picked over several veterans previously involved in handling the troubled $350 billion economy, including four-time finance minister Ishaq Dar, as the country looks to tide over a troubling time for its economy.

Dar was also named a federal minister and is likely to get the foreign ministry portfolio, the two sources said.

A spokesman for HBL said he could neither confirm nor deny any “speculation” about Aurangzeb’s appointment.

Pakistan’s current International Monetary Fund program expires next month, and Sharif has said his government would look to negotiate a new, longer term bailout to keep the country’s economy stable amidst high inflation and external financing requirements.

The new cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, over a month since the Feb. 8 national election. A letter, seen by Reuters, sent by Sharif to the president for the appointment of the cabinet showed a list of 19 names, including Aurangzeb and Dar.
 


Saudi Arabia condemns deadly mosque bombing in Pakistan’s capital

Updated 57 min 28 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns deadly mosque bombing in Pakistan’s capital

  • The Kingdom rejects targeting of places of worship, expresses solidarity with Pakistan
  • Saudi foreign ministry offers condolences to victims’ families, wishes injured recovery

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned the suicide bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with Pakistan after the attack killed and injured dozens on the outskirts of the capital.

The blast, which struck during Friday prayers, killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 160 others, according to Pakistani authorities.

In a statement issued by its foreign ministry, Saudi Arabia denounced the targeting of a place of worship and rejected all forms of violence and extremism.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Islamabad,” the statement said.

It added that the Kingdom stood firmly against attacks on civilians and places of worship and reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in confronting militant violence.

The ministry also extended condolences to the families of those killed and expressed sympathy with the Pakistani government and people, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, which Pakistani officials say is being investigated.